Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which civil rights can be lost after a felony conviction in some U.S. states?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
crime
Police officer collecting fingerprints.
In the United States, a felony conviction can result in the loss of several civil rights. While these restrictions vary significantly by state, they commonly include the following:
- Voting rights: Known as felony disenfranchisement, this practice denies individuals with felony convictions the right to vote. Policies range from temporary suspension during incarceration to permanent disenfranchisement, depending on the state's laws and the governor's authority to restore rights.123
- Right to own or possess firearms: Many jurisdictions prohibit individuals with felony convictions from owning or possessing firearms.2
- Right to hold public office: Convicted felons may be barred from serving in public office.2
These restrictions are rooted in historical concepts of "civil death" and attainder, which historically involved the forfeiture of property and the loss of all civil rights. Today, the application of these laws remains a subject of significant debate regarding democratic participation and popular sovereignty.12