Convicted criminals often lead their lives as convicts by different rules. Felons do not have the same rights and liberties as law-abiding citizens; they may lose some rights even after serving their terms in prison. So what rights do convicted felons lose?
International Travel
While felons can apply for and possess a passport, they may not qualify for a travel visa when they try to fly outside the country. Most countries around the world require travelers to have a visa before traveling. Persons with criminal backgrounds tend not to qualify for visas in most countries. However, some countries will allow felons to cross their borders.
Gun Ownership
Many states across the United States do not allow felons to own guns, even after completing their sentence. States like Colorado, Washington, and California prevent convicted felons from owning guns. However, the laws are different in other states. For example, convicted felons in Alaska may not carry concealed firearms but are allowed to own a gun after serving their sentence. States like Florida and Idaho permit offenders to own guns if their rights are restored.
Parental Custody
A convicted felon separated from their spouse before going to prison usually loses all parental custody rights to their partners. Most judges consider felony charges reason enough to deem an individual unfit to have custody of their children. Therefore, convicted felons often lose parental rights even if they have finished their sentence or were convicted long ago.
Voter Rights
Like gun ownership, the right to vote may be revoked depending on the state. Voting has historically been one of the most fought-for rights in the United States. The history of racial discrimination concerning the vote further taints laws that prevent felons from voting. Further, African Americans are disproportionately represented within the American prison system, which compounds the arguments against losing voter rights.
States like California allow convicted felons who have served their sentence or are released on probation to vote. In the District of Columbia and Vermont, convicts retain their right to vote even while incarcerated. However, they can lose their right to vote perpetually in states like Florida for specific crimes.
Employment in Some Professions
Felons often have difficulty finding work when they are released from prison. Many employers in the United States usually distrust applicants with criminal records. However, some professions bar convicted felons from working. Law enforcement is one such profession. Criminals cannot get employment in jobs that require them to use firearms, even after completing their sentence. Fields such as the military, police force, or armed security guards generally prevent felons from applying for or securing employment.
“The type of felony one was convicted of also factors into which jobs one cannot get,” says criminal defense attorney Mark Sherman. For example, a person convicted of child abuse cannot get employment in a daycare or school setting. Similarly, a felon convicted of financial fraud disqualifies themself from working as an accountant or in insurance.
Assistance Programs
Convicted felons often struggle to find jobs. The scarcity of work can lead them to rely on assistance programs like food stamps. However, convicted felons are disqualified from accessing these programs because of their criminal records. The federal government, as well as some state governments, insists that these programs go towards benefiting homeless and unemployed people.
