What are the cons of being a felon?

Asked by: Josephine Stanton  |  Last update: September 15, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (45 votes)

Potential Consequences of a Felony Conviction in California From the loss of voting rights and firearm ownership to employment challenges and parental custody issues, the ramifications of a felony can be both profound and long-lasting.

What are the disadvantages of being a convicted felon?

Let's take a look at some of the hard-to-believe ways that felons continue to be punished even after they've done their time.
  • You can't travel, but you also can't find a home. ...
  • You can't vote. ...
  • You can't serve on a jury. ...
  • You can't get public benefits. ...
  • You can't get a job.

What are the side effects of felony?

Here are seven ways a felony charge can affect your life.
  • You Lose the Right to Vote.
  • You Won't be Eligible for Federal Assistance.
  • You Can't Serve on a Jury.
  • You Are Ineligible to Serve in the Armed Forces.
  • You May Have to Forfeit Professional Licenses.
  • It's Hard to Find a Job.
  • Your Ability to Travel Will be Impacted.

How does being a felon affect your life?

Under California law, a felony is a serious criminal offense that can result in imprisonment for more than one year. Felonies are considered more severe than misdemeanors and can have significant consequences, including loss of voting rights (while in prison), professional licenses, and the ability to own firearms.

What problems do felons face?

You may not have a social network, financial support, insurance, or the resources needed to secure a job, find a home, meet with a therapist, or reconnect with the community. Former inmates face numerous psychological challenges when released from prison, including stigma, discrimination, isolation, and instability.

The Secret Life Sentence of Being a Felon | Harley Blakeman | TEDxOhioStateUniversity

39 related questions found

What benefits can felons get?

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Benefits

An individual released from incarceration may be eligible for Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits if they have worked or paid into Social Security enough years.

Why are felons not hired?

Employers' reluctance to hire such individuals may be prompted by law or by fear of litigation. Some occupations, such as those involving contact with children, are legally closed to people with felony convictions.

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.

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.

Does being a felon affect your credit?

Although your criminal record doesn't directly impact your credit score, the financial burden that accompanies legal penalties can result in significant credit damage. Legal fees, court fines, restitution, and loss of income due to unemployment or incarceration can cause you to fall behind on payments.

What do you call a person with a felony?

Technically, a felon is anyone who's been convicted of a serious crime, but you can use felon to describe anyone you think has done something terrible. For a felon, it's being paraded in handcuffs in front of the public that can be the worst part of being convicted.

What is the complication of felon?

Without prompt treatment, a felon can compress the blood vessels in your finger. This can cut off your fingertip's circulation and cause permanent damage, tissue death (necrosis) or even loss of your finger. In addition, an untreated felon infection can spread to your finger bones, tendons or joints.

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.

What can't you do with a felon?

Throughout the United States, some of the general rights convicted felons lose are as follows, varying state by state:
  1. Voting.
  2. Traveling abroad.
  3. The right to bear arms or own guns.
  4. Jury service.
  5. Employment in certain fields.
  6. Public social benefits and housing.
  7. Parental benefits.

Does having a felony affect buying a house?

Yes, someone with a felony history can get a mortgage loan. In fact, formerly incarcerated felons can access the same types of home loans that anyone without a criminal history can. However, you might find the most favorable pathway to approval is through mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

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.

Does a felony mean jail time?

Understanding Felony Sentences in California

These include offenses like grand theft, certain drug offenses, and violent crimes. Traditionally, felonies carry the possibility of a state prison sentence, fines, or both. However, not all felony convictions lead to jail time.

What is a level 5 felony?

Class E or 5 tends to represent low- to mid-level felonies depending on the state.

Which state has the most felonies?

Here are the states that currently have the highest population of felons.
  1. Texas. This might not be surprising to some people because Texas is such a big state. ...
  2. Wisconsin. The state of Wisconsin is number two in the United States in terms of having the highest felon population total. ...
  3. North Carolina.

Can you get a job with a felony?

A company may hire ex-offenders, but they may have a policy of terminating anyone for lying on their job application. It is up to you whether you tell an employer about your convictions. But, we believe that honesty is the best policy. Our experience shows that HOW you communicate this information makes the difference.

Can a felon get a passport?

Yes, a convicted felon can usually get a passport, but it depends on the felony and other factors: Felony typeSome felonies can automatically disqualify you from getting a passport, including: International drug trafficking Trafficking minors "Sex tourism" offenses Treason.

How can I avoid jail time for felony?

5 strategies for lessening or avoiding jail time in felony cases
  1. #1: Negotiating plea bargains. Pleading out can be a strategic move. ...
  2. #2: Rehabilitation and counseling. ...
  3. #3: Character references. ...
  4. #4: Diversion programs. ...
  5. #5: Demonstrating remorse.

Do you ever stop being a felon?

Felonies stay on your criminal record for the rest of your life. However, if you seek expungement, it is possible to clear your record of the offense.

What government job can a felon get?

People with criminal records are eligible to compete for the vast majority of federal jobs. During the hiring process, Federal agencies are generally required to consider people with criminal records IF they are among the highest rated candidates and can comply with the job requirements.

How many felons are unemployed?

Formerly incarcerated individuals experience extreme rates of unemployment, hovering around six out of every 10 people being jobless from the time of release to four years after release. Compare this rate to the general population, whose peak unemployment rate during the pandemic reached 15%.