The punishment for a felon lasts long beyond the custody or the jail sentence. Felons lose many rights upon release, rather sometimes they permanently become deprived of them. The laws on which these rights are dispossessed depend on the specific state that the felony was committed.
Moreover, there are some federal programs also that you might not be able to access after a felony conviction. The concept of abridged rights for felons after release is not a recent idea but has been in action since Roman times.
However, with time, which rights should be removed and which rights should be restored can vary. This guide particularly highlights some of the things that a felon may lose access to after a felony conviction. Here we bring a comprehensive list of rights that mainly felons face issues with.
Treatment Issues Specific to Prisons
The unique characteristics of prisons may have different implications for treating individuals inside the custody. Some certain laws and sections review the treatment services available and key issues affecting treatment for offenders. Moreover, now society is making the change for better behavior with culprits. The prison therapeutic community (TC) model is explored in-depth and examples of in-prison TCs are well-known.
The model also looks at the treatment options available for certain specific populations and at systems issues. According to the experts, there is a strict need to make changes that affect all clients in prison settings. The central authority has to deal with some general recommendations for substance against abuse treatment in prison.
Discrimination & Challenges Felons Face in Society after Release
- Gender
- Race and Ethnicity
- Substance Abuse
- Mental Illness
- Communicable Diseases
Restoration of Voting Rights for Felons
Felons lose their power to many crucial rights. It has been common practice in the United States to make felons ineligible to vote. However, over time, the general trend has been toward re-establish the right to vote for their welfare.
Although, this all functions by a state-by-state policy choice! Currently, state approaches towards minor amendments for felons to provide support in the society after release.
Have a look at the major rights:
- Right to Bear Arms
- Right to Travel Abroad
- Other Political Rights
- Parental Rights
- Loss of Benefit Programs
- Employee Discrimination
- Right to Vote
Discussion in Details.
Right to Bear Arms
Most of the states generally remove felon’s right to bear arms or restrict it after a felony conviction. Usually, it impacts when you need to buy guns and weapons. Your background check is done first when buying a weapon. Even possessing a gun can land you into more legal trouble.
Right to Travel Abroad
Traveling, who does not like to voyage?
But what if after a felony conviction you are not allowed to travel? Many countries across the world will refuse visas to felons while it is legal for them to own and use a passport. Individuals after incarceration need to know about the current laws before attempting to travel abroad.
Other Political Rights
After the release of prison, felons often lose access to other rights as well such as political rights. They are not allowed to participate in the political process in any state.
Parental Rights
Being a criminal can bring you many negative effects. If you have a felony on your record, it is even more difficult to defend your parental rights. The courts take a dim view of a felon’s family and keep them deprived of all the essential rights.
Loss of Benefit Programs
Felons also lose the right to certain beneficial government and federal programs. You may be ineligible for the benefits of public housing, food stamps, and a host of other programs.
Employee Discrimination
There is no denying that employers think twice before hiring a felon. It is not illegal for employers to refuse to hire a felon. This is another major battleground for ex-offenders to integrate back into society.
Right to Vote
It has been observed that after you’ve been convicted of a felony, you generally lose the right to vote. Nearly every state in the U.S. will remove your voting rights. As a result, one needs to fight in prison for his civil rights
Wrapping Up
Unfortunately, felons lose some of their major rights after release. Although with time, the government has worked upon restoring these rights, once you lose your honor, it is all gone. Be aware of all the norms and laws!
