If a person is convicted of a felony, they could face more than just years in prison and significant fines. They could also lose certain rights that most of us hold sacred. Keep reading to learn about the rights you could lose if you are convicted of a felony. If you are facing a charge that could lead to a felony conviction, contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation.

You Could Lose the Right to Travel Internationally

Generally speaking, a felon is allowed to possess a passport. You might think that means they can travel anywhere they want, but this is false. In many countries, a visa is required to visit – and a person who has been convicted of a felony is often not going to be issued a visa. There are plenty of countries that would still allow you to visit, but there are also many that would prevent you from doing so.

You Could Lose the Right to Own a Gun

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to own a firearm to all citizens. That said, there are some situations in which a person ends up barred from owning a gun. In California, if you are convicted of a felony, then you cannot own or use a gun for the rest of your life. Even if you were convicted in a state that does not have this rule and then move to California, you could be charged for owning a gun if you are a felon in the state of California.

You Could Lose the Ability to Hold Various Jobs

Being convicted of a felon does not prevent you from being employed, but it will likely prevent many employers from considering you for employment. It is entirely legal for an employer to run a background check and choose not to hire you due to your criminal record.

There are many government-based jobs that a felony cannot hold, such as police officers. If the job you have or want requires a state professional license, such as a teacher or childcare agent, then you are not likely to get one with a felony on your record.

You Could Lose the Right to Assistance Programs

It can be very difficult for a felon to get a job – and even harder for them to get a good-paying job. When they inevitably find themselves in need of help, they might be out of luck because many assistance programs run by the state and the federal government are not available to a felon.

These are just some of the things a person can lose if they are convicted of a felony. This is why it is essential to talk to a criminal defense attorney who can help you fight these charges. Call Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 now for a free legal consultation.