The long-term effects of a felony conviction often extend far beyond the courtroom. Many people are surprised to learn that the consequences can influence numerous areas of a person’s daily life, including housing, employment, and civil rights. These effects can persist long after a sentence has been served, which makes a strong defense strategy for a criminal charge all the more critical.

Because felony laws and collateral consequences vary by state, the experience of one person may differ significantly from that of another. Navigating these complexities can be daunting, and a criminal defense lawyer can provide guidance on the potential implications of a felony charge or conviction, helping individuals work through the legal process.

How Long Is a Felony Prison Sentence?

Felonies are generally considered the most serious category of crimes in the United States, and the potential penalties reflect that classification. Although specific sentencing ranges vary across jurisdictions, felonies typically carry possible prison terms exceeding one year. In some of the most serious cases, a felony conviction can result in a sentence of life imprisonment. Within that broad range, courts often look at the seriousness of the offense, a person’s prior record, and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances.

Some felonies, such as certain property crimes, may result in relatively shorter sentences, while others involving violent crimes can lead to far longer periods of incarceration. In particularly severe cases, mandatory minimum sentences or enhancements may apply, up to and including a life sentence. 

How Felony Convictions Affect Licensed Professionals

Licensed professionals often face additional challenges after a felony conviction. Many licensing boards have rules that allow them to review an applicant’s or license holder’s criminal history when determining whether that person may obtain or keep a professional license. These rules apply to a broad range of occupations, including nursing, teaching, real estate, and accounting.

A board’s decisions may be influenced by factors such as:

• Nature of the offense: Whether the conduct is related to the duties of the profession
• Time elapsed: How long it has been since the conviction occurred
• Evidence of rehabilitation: Steps taken to show responsible behavior after the conviction
• Public protection concerns: Whether the board believes the conduct may pose a risk to clients or the community

Outcomes can vary widely. Some individuals may lose their licenses, while others may face disciplinary action while retaining the ability to work. In some cases, a board may impose conditions or monitoring requirements.

Can Felons Own Guns?

The ability of a person with a felony conviction to own or possess firearms is restricted under both federal law and many state laws. Federal law generally prohibits people who have been convicted of felonies from possessing firearms or ammunition. Many states have similar prohibitions, although the specific rules and potential avenues for rights restoration differ by jurisdiction.

Some states permit individuals to seek the restoration of their firearm rights after a specified number of years or upon meeting specific requirements. In a few jurisdictions, certain nonviolent felonies may not result in a permanent loss of firearm rights. 

Voting Rights for Felons

Voting rights for individuals with felony convictions vary significantly across the United States. In some states, voting rights are automatically restored once a person completes their incarceration. Other states require the completion of parole or probation before voting rights return. A smaller number of states require people to complete additional steps, such as paying outstanding fines or applying for rights restoration.

A few states permanently bar people with certain felony convictions from voting unless they receive a pardon or formal restoration of their voting rights. A criminal defense lawyer can inform felons of their rights and what steps, if any, they can take to reinstate their ability to vote.

Will a Felony Conviction Impact My Future Employment?

A felony conviction can influence employment opportunities in several ways. Many employers conduct background checks as part of the hiring process, and a felony conviction may appear on those reports. While some employers are willing to consider the circumstances surrounding a sentence, others may have strict policies regarding the hiring of people with a criminal history.

Common areas where a felony conviction may affect employment include:

• Positions involving financial responsibility: Employers may be cautious about hiring people with convictions related to theft or fraud.
• Jobs requiring security clearances: Federal government roles often involve detailed background checks that consider a person’s criminal history.
• Roles working with vulnerable populations: Schools, health care employers, and similar organizations may have mandatory screening rules.
• Occupations subject to licensing: As mentioned previously, licensing boards may review a person’s criminal history when determining their eligibility.

Some states have adopted laws that place limits on how employers may use people’s criminal history in hiring decisions. These rules vary, and they can influence how background checks are conducted and what information an employer may consider. Individuals seeking to understand how a felony conviction may impact their employment prospects can benefit from reviewing the laws in their state, and a criminal defense lawyer can help explain how a sentence might be evaluated during the hiring process.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. If you have specific legal questions or concerns regarding a felony conviction or its consequences, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified criminal defense lawyer to understand how the law applies to your individual situation.