Restrictions for Convicted Felons

Certain restrictions on convicted felons continue long after a term of incarceration and parole or probation is completed. Some of these restrictions exist even if an individual is convicted of what amounts to a fairly minor felony.

Firearms

Federal law prohibits a convicted felon of owning or using a firearm. The prohibition applies whether you were convicted of a felony in state or federal court.

Voting

Depending on the state you reside in, a felony conviction impacts your ability to vote. In some states, there is a lifetime ban on voting after a felony conviction. In other states, you cannot vote while incarcerated, on parole or probation. Finally, a couple of states impose no restrictions and convicted felons vote from prison.

Registration

A conviction of a sex crime requires a person to register as a sex offender. There are restrictions on where a registered sex offender resides and prohibitions as to where he goes in the community.

Professional

Convicted felons cannot engage in certain professions. For example, in most cases a convicted felon cannot be a licensed attorney and is disbarred upon a felony conviction. Most elementary and secondary schools restrict convicted felons from teaching and administrative positions. There are exceptions to professional restrictions in some states depending on the underlying crime and how long ago the offense occurred.

Travel

Restrictions on international travel is significant for convicted felons. Some countries do not permit convicted felons inside their borders, even for short vacations. Domestic travel in the United States generally is not restricted for a convicted felon once she is off probation or parole or federal supervised release.