After being released from prison, many felons are looking for fresh starts and ways to best integrate back into society. Some circumstances can make this difficult. If you are a convicted felon, you may experience certain punishments that continue long after you have served your sentence.
You may temporarily lose certain rights that make it difficult to get back on your feet. However, our criminal defense attorney, Jason Baltz, knows the rights you may lose and which ones may be restored.
Certain Types of Employment
Once you are convicted of a felony, it may be difficult for you to work in various professions, such as childcare, military, or law enforcement. It is legal for an employer to discriminate against individuals who have a felony conviction on their record. However, there are resources available, such as Help For Felons, that provides job listings available to felons.
Right To Bear Arms
Firearm dealers are required by law to run a background check on everyone who wants to purchase a firearm. Many states prevent a felon from owning a gun or ammunition. There are situations where a convicted felon could own a firearm, depending on the type of crime committed by the felon and the area of jurisdiction.
Right to Vote
Felony disenfranchisement is a legal term for people who lose their right to vote after being convicted of a felony. Every state will take away a felon's right to vote. There are cases where people are permitted to vote from jail. A convicted felon even loses this right. In most states, a felon will lose their right to vote for the rest of their life. In some states, a felon may be permitted to vote after a specified amount of time has passed from the date of their conviction.
Right To Travel Out Of The Country
It is legal in the United States for a felon to have and use a passport. The problem is many countries will not issue a visa to an American citizen who is a convicted felon. This isn't the case with all countries. It is advised a felon check a country's current laws concerning entry for American felons before scheduling a trip there. This is a good way to avoid legal trouble in a foreign country.
Parental Rights
When someone has been convicted of a felony, it may make it difficult for them to be granted custody of their children in a divorce. This is especially true if the felony conviction involves a sex crime or a crime of violence.
Benefit Programs
Those who have a felony conviction on their record no longer have a right to participate in certain government programs. This includes such popular programs as SSI, grant programs, food stamps, public programs, and several other government programs.
Anyone who has a felony conviction may have lost their freedom, and when no longer incarcerated, they may have certain civil rights taken away from them. There are common rights a felon will lose no matter where they live. A state may have a procedure to seal or expunge a person's felony conviction. When this is done, it is possible for a convicted felon to have certain rights restored.
We believe that people make mistakes and deserve second chances. The legal team at The Law Offices of Jason D. Baltz is here to help these individuals move forward with their lives so that they can become productive members of society.
If you are arrested or charged with a crime in Wisconsin, make sure you get effective legal representation in your corner. Contact The Law Offices of Jason D. Baltz at (414) 375-0797 to schedule a free consultation with our firm.