What Rights Do Felons Lose in Pennsylvania?
A felony is a serious criminal charge. In Pennsylvania, all felony offenses carry at least one year in state prison as a possible sentence. Many felonies can lead to far more serious penalties. Beyond that, a convicted felon in the Commonwealth can lose certain rights. At The Hoover Firm, LLC, we defend all types of felony charges. Our Harrisburg criminal defense lawyer provides an overview of the rights that convicted felons lose in Pennsylvania.
An Overview of the Rights Convicted Felons Lose in Pennsylvania
- The Ability to Vote (Only During Period of Incarceration): Voting rights for convicted felons vary from state to state. In Pennsylvania, convicted felons lose their voting rights during their period of incarceration. Once released, these rights are restored, meaning the person can re-register to vote. However, during their time in prison, they cannot participate in any local, state, or federal elections. It is temporary disenfranchisement.
- The Right to Serve on a Jury: Felons in Pennsylvania are permanently disqualified from serving on a jury. Indeed, 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 4502(a)(3) bars convicted felons from juries in any criminal or civil court proceeding within the Commonwealth. To be clear, this civic duty is not restored even after serving their sentence. In other words, the loss of the ability to serve on a jury is permanent.
- The Ability to Apply for Student Loans (May Be Restored): College is expensive. Student loans help to offer people access to educational programs. However, convicted felons in Pennsylvania are largely prevented from accessing student loans. While some loan eligibility may be regained after completing a rehabilitation program, a convicted felon cannot access student loans or financial aid through federally backed programs.
- The Right to Possess a Firearm: Firearms rights matter. The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects a person’s right to keep and bear arms. However, the Second Amendment is not unrestricted. Felons can lose their rights. Under Pennsylvania law, convicted felons are prohibited from possessing a firearm. The restriction is severe and includes all types of firearms, regardless of the nature of the felony. It is very difficult to get firearms rights reinstated after being convicted of a felony in Pennsylvania. What happens if a felon does possess a firearm in violation of the law. They can be arrested and charged with another felony offense. It is a serious crime.
- The Right to Hold Certain Professional Licenses: In Pennsylvania, felons may be barred from obtaining various professional licenses. Though, it depends on the type and severity of their crime. It can affect careers in fields such as education, law, healthcare, and others that require state certification or licensing. Some people may even struggle to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) based on their convictions. If you have any questions about professional licenses and a felony charge, you should speak to a Harrisburg defense attorney.
Contact Our Harrisburg Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
At The Hoover Firm, LLC, our Harrisburg criminal defense attorney provides solutions-focused guidance and support to clients who are facing felony charges. We handle even the most serious cases. Contact us right away for a fully private, no-strings-attached initial consultation. From our Harrisburg law office, we defend felony criminal charges throughout Central Pennsylvania.