Restoring Civil Rights After a Felony in Iowa

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

Short answer: In Iowa the governor has the power to grant pardons and restore the rights of citizenship. Voting rights (and the other citizenship rights covered by Executive Order 7) return automatically when the felony sentence is discharged, except for homicide convictions under chapter 707, which… Iowa Code §§ 914.1, 914.2, 914.3, 914.7; Governor's Executive Order 7

Restoring rights after a felony	In Iowa the governor has the power to grant pardons and restore the rights of citizenship. Voting rights (and the other citizenship rights covered by Executive Order 7) return automatically when the felony sentence is discharged, except for homicide convictions under chapter 707, which require an application to the governor. Firearm rights are not restored by Executive Order 7: a person must apply separately to the Iowa Board of Parole, which reviews applications and makes recommendations to the governor. Firearm rights can never be restored for a forcible felony, a felony drug offense involving a firearm, or a felony weapons violation under chapter 724. Statutes: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/914.1.pdf , https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/914.3.pdf , https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/914.7.pdf . The governor's page does not address jury service. Source: Iowa Code §§ 914.1, 914.2, 914.3, 914.7; Governor's Executive Order 7

Restoring rights after a felony

In Iowa the governor has the power to grant pardons and restore the rights of citizenship. Voting rights (and the other citizenship rights covered by Executive Order 7) return automatically when the felony sentence is discharged, except for homicide convictions under chapter 707, which require an application to the governor. Firearm rights are not restored by Executive Order 7: a person must apply separately to the Iowa Board of Parole, which reviews applications and makes recommendations to the governor. Firearm rights can never be restored for a forcible felony, a felony drug offense involving a firearm, or a felony weapons violation under chapter 724.

Statutes: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/914.1.pdf , https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/914.3.pdf , https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/914.7.pdf . The governor's page does not address jury service.

Source: Iowa Code §§ 914.1, 914.2, 914.3, 914.7; Governor's Executive Order 7

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FAQ

How do you restore your rights after a felony in Iowa?

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.