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Loss of Rights For a Convicted Felon


updated: June 10, 2010



Convicted Felons lose certain constitutional rights.

The U.S. Constitution grants people within its borders certain inalienable rights. The Constitution was written to protect people against actions of the state. Although the Constitution has been interpreted as denying these rights to certain groups of people in the past, such as women and minorities, these people are now granted the equal protections of the law. One group, however, is commonly denied some rights of citizenship.



Felons

Not only are U.S. citizens granted the equal protections of the law, but so are people who are not citizens. The U.S. government does, however, take away some of the constitutional rights of a certain class of people. This class of people has been convicted of felonies. The consequence of being convicted of a felony is often loss of freedom and a loss of certain rights while serving time in prison or jail. But being a felon carries collateral consequences. These consequences become apparent after a felon's incarceration, parole or probation period is up.

Collateral Consequences

Seven states permanently bar felons from ever voting while five other states permanently bar people convicted of certain felonies from voting. Nineteen states can terminate the parental rights of felons. Felons are often barred from government jobs or receiving federal contracts. Some jurisdictions require felons to register with law enforcement agencies and in most jurisdictions, felons can't serve on a jury.

Drug Felons

Drug offenders convicted after Sept. 1, 1989, can be denied these benefits: grants, licenses, contracts and other federal benefits, with the exclusion of welfare, Social Security, disability, health, public housing and benefits based on military service. Any person convicted of a felony on or after Aug. 22, 1996, involving the use, possession, or distribution of drugs, will not be eligible for food stamps or temporary assistance for needy families. If the felon belongs to a family that receives any of these benefits, the family's benefits will be reduced.

Firearm Prohibition

Under the Gun Control Act of 1968, a person convicted of a felony must not ship or transport, possess or receive a firearm or ammunition. Firearm refers to both long guns and handguns. This prohibition does not apply to offenses related to business practices. Felons whose convictions have been pardoned, expunged, set aside or whose rights have been restored will still be subjected to the firearm prohibition if the pardon, expungement or restoration of civil rights expressly provides that the person cannot ship, receive, transport, or possess firearms.


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13 years ago. Rating: 0
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What is the question?

13 years ago. Rating: 0
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I think there may be limits placed on this person's travel - may not be able to travel to other countries. I know someone (Canadian) who is not permitted to enter the USA, but can travel to some other countries.

13 years ago. Rating: 0
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