Consequences of Felony Convictions

 Posted on March 09, 2018 in Uncategorized

When an individual is charged with a crime, it is important to understand all the possible consequences that a conviction might include. In addition to a fine, probation, community service, or even a prison sentence, those who receive a felony conviction must endure and abide by a number of other limits placed on them, even after serving a sentence and fulfilling all other stipulations.

What a Felon Loses

While some may vary from state to state, there are a number of civil rights that convicted felons lose as a consequence of their criminal history and conviction. Some of the most common rights that felons lose or suffer severe restrictions to include:

• Ownership and possession of firearms is prohibited.
• Most felons are restricted from traveling out of the country.
• A convicted felon may not serve on a jury.
• Felons may not hold jobs in certain lines of work.
• Felons may lose access to public benefits and housing.
• Parental rights and benefits may be lost or restricted.

Voting is one right that is being restored, over time, to felons in most states. At this time, only four states prohibit convicted felons from voting – Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, and Virginia. However, Virginia recently restored that right to more than 160,000 convicted felons following a case-by-case review, and a ballot initiative in Florida is seeking to return voting rights to felons. Other states require felons to complete their sentence in its entirety before petitioning to have their right to cast a ballot restored.

Getting Caught Comes with Consequences

In many cases, a person with a felony conviction on their record will receive another jail sentence if they are caught and convicted of violating one of the restrictions placed on them. Recently, for example, a man convicted of felony narcotics sales in 2015 was sentenced to 15 years in jail for illegal possession of a firearm. Investigators learned of his violation after viewing a rap video in which the defendant was performing while holding a semi-automatic pistol.

Rely on a Knowledgeable Joliet Felony Defense Lawyer When Faced with Serious Charges

Although some consideration is being given to restoring some rights to those members of society who have felony convictions, the best way to avoid living with those restrictions is to avoid a felony conviction in the first place. Retaining an experienced Illinois felony defense attorney provides those charged with crimes the best chance at avoiding the burden of life-changing convictions and subsequent limitations of personal rights. The team of legal professionals in the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. will review every detail of your case to build a strong and aggressive defense strategy. Call 815-740-4025 today to set up a free initial consultation and learn how you will benefit from our commitment to your defense.