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Restoring Civil Rights After a Felony in Georgia

How Georgia law treats restoring rights after a felony, from the state code and official state agencies.

Short answer: Voting returns automatically when the sentence is complete. Other civil and political rights lost on a Georgia conviction (running for and holding public office, serving on a jury, serving as a notary) are restored only by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles through a Restoration of… State Board of Pardons and Paroles, Pardons & Restoration of Rights; O.C.G.A. § 16-11-131(c)

Restoring rights after a felonyVoting returns automatically when the sentence is complete. Other civil and political rights lost on a Georgia conviction (running for and holding public office, serving on a jury, serving as a notary) are restored only by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles through a Restoration of Civil and Political Rights, available two years after all sentences are completed and the person has lived a law-abiding life, or through a pardon (five years after completing all sentences; ten years for registrable sex offenses). Firearm rights are a separate grant: a restoration of rights does not automatically restore the right to possess a firearm, and firearm restoration requires a personal interview.
Firearm statute (existing record): https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-16-crimes-and-offenses/ga-code-sect-16-11-131/ . Check against the official code.
Source: State Board of Pardons and Paroles, Pardons & Restoration of Rights; O.C.G.A. § 16-11-131(c)

More Georgia criminal law

FAQ

How do you restore your rights after a felony in Georgia?
Voting returns automatically when the sentence is complete. Other civil and political rights lost on a Georgia conviction (running for and holding public office, serving on a jury, serving as a notary) are restored only by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles through a Restoration of Civil and Political Rights, available two years after all sentences are completed and the person has lived a law-abiding life, or through a pardon (five years after completing all sentences; ten years for registrable sex offenses). Firearm rights are a separate grant: a restoration of rights does not automatically restore the right to possess a firearm, and firearm restoration requires a personal interview.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.