How many US citizens have a felony record?

Asked by: Ms. Amy Schmidt  |  Last update: February 21, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (33 votes)

Nearly 20 million people are estimated to have a past felony conviction.

What percent of the US population has a felony?

Shannon et al. (2017) show that while the share of the total U.S. adult population with felony records is about 8 percent, the share of Black adults is about 23 percent. This rate is even higher for Black men, where one-third (33 percent) have a felony record (Shannon et al., 2017).

What state has the highest number of felons?

As of December 2022, there was a total of 139,631 prisoners in the state of Texas, the most out of any state. California, Florida, Georgia, and Ohio rounded out the top five states with the most prisoners in the United States.

What is the most common felony in the US?

By far, one of the most common felonies in the United States is drug crimes. Whether this is possession or trafficking, any time you are discovered with illegal, controlled substances, you will likely face a felony.

How long does a felony stay on your record in the USA?

If you've been convicted of a felony, it will generally stay on your criminal record for life. However, it is possible to have your record removed from public view through a process known as expungement.

The Countries I can (and can't) travel to with a Criminal Record

18 related questions found

Do felonies go away after 7 years?

Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.

Can you get a passport with a felony?

Most convicted felons in the US can obtain a passport after completing their sentence. That said, certain felony convictions can still disqualify you from getting a passport. Other reasons for being denied a US passport include failing to pay child support or having significant outstanding federal tax debts.

What's the worst felony?

A crime that's a Class A federal felony is the worst, with a maximum prison term of life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. A Class E federal felony involves a prison term of more than one year but less than five years and a maximum fine of $5,000.

What is the most felon friendly state in United States?

After completing the sentence, including probation and parole, individuals convicted of a felony can regain their right to vote. The most hostile state in the US for felons is Mississippi, and the most friendly state for felons is Vermont.

How many felonies does the average American commit?

Average American Unknowingly Commits Three Felonies A Day

“Our government can and does target citizens with impunity. In fact, it's been estimated that the average American commits three felonies a day without even knowing it,” says Tolman.

What is the best state to move to as a felon?

Here are the most and least friendly states for recently released inmates. California scores highest on friendliness to former inmates. The Golden State has a background check law without a salary cap. Alaska, which ranked the lowest, has three reentry programs, which is a relatively small amount.

What state has the best jail?

  • New Hampshire. #1 in Corrections Outcomes. #2 in Best States Overall. ...
  • Hawaii. #2 in Corrections Outcomes. ...
  • Vermont. #3 in Corrections Outcomes. ...
  • Maine. #4 in Corrections Outcomes. ...
  • Washington. #5 in Corrections Outcomes. ...
  • Massachusetts. #6 in Corrections Outcomes. ...
  • Utah. #7 in Corrections Outcomes. ...
  • New Mexico. #8 in Corrections Outcomes.

What is the most criminal state in USA?

Alaska's violent crime rate is more than double that of the Pacific region and is the highest of all 50 states. So Alaskans' low concern about violent crime is out of sync with the amount of violent crime happening.

Why is it hard for ex-convicts to get a job?

Workplace Morale. Another common reason that employers cite for refusing to hire ex-offenders is the fear of hurting workplace morale. The reasoning is that an ex-offender might make fellow coworkers nervous and mistrustful, undermining the positive atmosphere and team dynamics that companies strive to achieve.

Are US criminal records public?

Public Access to Criminal Records

But, for the most part, anyone can go to a court records office or, sometimes, a website for a court or state agency and search the files for someone's conviction records.

Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?

Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.

What is the most common site of felon?

The most common location of felon finger infections is in the first and second fingers of your hand. Your fingertips contain closed-up sections of fibrous membranes.

What is the best job a felon can get?

12 highest-paying jobs for felons
  1. Digital marketer. ...
  2. Freelance copywriter. ...
  3. Freelance designer. ...
  4. Painter. ...
  5. Maintenance worker. ...
  6. CNC machinist. ...
  7. Car sales executive. ...
  8. Entrepreneur.

What is the weirdest felony?

1. Transporting Dentures across State Lines. 18 USC 1821 makes it a crime for non-dentists who make false teeth to ship their product out of state. This jaw-dropping law was enacted decades ago, but doesn't have much teeth to it.

What is higher than a felony?

Obviously legally there are no crimes worse than a felony, just various types of felonies.

How bad is 3 felonies?

As a criminal defense lawyer Orange County, CA can explain, if you have three “strike” felonies, then you will likely be sentenced to 25 years to life in California state prison. However, if your three felonies are not for serious or violent offenses, then you will not face the same consequences.

Can a felon join the military?

Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.

Can felons go on cruises?

Yes. As mentioned above, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises and others carry out background checks on guests through consumer reporting agencies prior to boarding. Cruisers would not usually be denied entry to the cruise unless they had been convicted of violent crimes such as physical and/or sexual assault.

Can you fly with a felony charge?

Can Convicted Felons Travel? Yes, but it depends on your country of citizenship. If you're a US citizen, then yes. You can travel to most countries worldwide as long as you have a passport and a visa (if necessary).