Is There Life After a Felony Conviction?

Felony convictions in Angleton, TX are serious: after you’re tried and convicted of a felony, you could experience lifelong consequences. That’s on purpose. The idea is that once you’ve gone against the rules of society so severely, you’re not entitled to the basic privileges of that society. For example, you can no longer own, possess or use a firearm, sit on a jury and—in many states—even exercise your right to vote.

In addition to those limitations, a felony conviction prevents you from gaining employment in schools, law enforcement and hospitals. Other employers may look at your conviction history and decline to hire you, even if they’re legally allowed. This is especially true if you’re looking for a job or education in positions with a high level of trust or morality clauses, like law, nursing, real estate, financial institutions and more. These are serious consequences that can have you wondering whether it’s possible to have a life after a felony conviction.

Living through a felony conviction in Angleton, TX

You might think that prison time and fines were punishment enough, only to find out that your rights are severely impacted after you get out of prison. Felony convictions can make it almost impossible to find employment, gain loans and enjoy other facets of life that are easy to take for granted. What do you do when you need to work to survive?

There are a few things that you can do to lessen the lifelong impact of your felony conviction, although in many cases, you may never fully regain the rights you once enjoyed.

Civil rights restoration in Angleton, TX is one way. For example, it used to be that felons were not allowed to vote in Texas until two full years after their sentences were discharged—that is, two years after you’re finished with prison time and parole, and have paid all the fines and fees associated with your case.

Since 1997, you are now eligible to vote as soon as your sentence is fully discharged. That’s an improvement—but unfortunately, you still won’t be able to sit on a jury or run for public office, unless you’re somehow granted a full pardon. (Pardons are relatively rare and you should probably not hold out hope, unless you have powerful connections.) You also will not be able to own, possess or use a firearm unless you can get your federal civil rights restored. (Talk to an attorney for more information about this procedure.)

Expungement is the other way you can restore some of your rights. Under certain circumstances, if you were arrested but not convicted of a crime—or were acquitted or pardoned after conviction—you may file to have your criminal records sealed. This restores all of the above civil rights, and will make it so no one can request your records.

Living with a felony conviction in Angleton, TX can be quite difficult. If you find yourself arrested for a felony, call Brazoria County Bail Bonds to make bail arrangements.

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