It goes without saying that a felony conviction in Wheeling brings with it a wide range of consequences. When clients facing felony charges come to see us here at The Scott C. Brown Law Office, their main concern is on the potential criminal penalties they may face. If you are also dealing with a felony arrest, your likely share the same worry (and for good reason). Yet even if you secure a favorable outcome to your case, having a felony on your record automatically means that you forfeit certain rights.
You may have already known a felony conviction can keep you from owning a firearm in the future. Yet there are a plethora of other rights that you may lose. The can include:
- The right to vote
- The right to travel internationally
- The right to serve on a jury
- The right to parental benefits
- The right to social benefits
- The right to work in certain fields
The law prohibits certain public agencies from hiring convicted felons. Such agencies include all branches of the military, law enforcement agencies, jobs requiring professional licensure, teaching professions and child care professionals. Access to public housing and benefit programs, as well as federal and state grants also not available to you if you are a convicted felon. Travel rights restrictions are often on a case-by-case basis. You are allowed to hold a passport, yet other countries may deny you a visa if you have a felony on your record.
Here is the good news: According to the Restoration of Rights Project, your voting rights are restored upon the completion of your sentence. You also can earn back the right to serve on a jury or hold public office if you are pardoned.
You can learn more about rights restrictions by continuing to explore our site.
