This question came up in a conversation about an hour ago. No need to give you details :)
It seems to fit in with our conversation today about the need to educate people in order to preserve civil liberties. Many rights and liberties are lost however if someone is charged - not even found guilty - of a felony.
You become a second class citizen.
The problem with this answer is that it does not distinguish between being charged with a crime and being convicted of a crime, so it doesn't accurately answer the question I asked.
Check it out:
If you're charged with a felony, several rights may be affected, depending on the jurisdiction and whether you're convicted. Some of the common rights lost or restricted after being charged or convicted of a felony include:
1. Right to Vote: In many states, individuals convicted of felonies lose the right to vote while incarcerated, and in some cases, even after they have completed their sentence or parole. The rules vary by state.
2. Right to Own Firearms: A felony conviction generally prohibits you from purchasing or possessing firearms. This is a federal law, though some states may allow certain rights to be restored after a period of time or through a pardon.
3. Right to Serve on a Jury: Felony convictions can disqualify you from serving on a jury. This is based on the belief that convicted felons may have biases or credibility issues in determining the facts of a case.
4. Right to Hold Certain Jobs: Some careers, particularly in government or law enforcement, may be unavailable to individuals with felony convictions. Licensing for certain professions, such as healthcare, law, or education, can also be restricted.
5. Right to Receive Government Assistance: Convicted felons may be ineligible for certain government benefits, such as food stamps (SNAP), public housing, or student loans. Some restrictions may vary depending on the type of felony.
6. Right to Travel: Convicted felons may face restrictions on international travel, especially if they are on probation or parole. Certain countries may also deny entry to individuals with felony convictions.
7. Right to Access to Public Services: Some states have laws restricting access to public services, such as certain public housing programs, for those with felony convictions.
8. Parental Rights: In certain situations, felony convictions, especially those involving abuse, neglect, or violence, can result in the loss of parental rights or restrictions on custody and visitation.
These restrictions are often tied to the conviction itself or the completion of certain conditions (like parole or probation). In some cases, felons may have the opportunity to restore certain rights through legal processes such as pardons or expungements, but this depends on local laws.
