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Restoring Civil Rights After a Felony in Massachusetts

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

Short answer: Voting rights return automatically on release from incarceration for the felony; the person simply registers. G.L. c. 51, §1; G.L. c. 234A, §4(7); G.L. c. 140, §121F; G.L. c. 265, §2(d)

Restoring rights after a felonyVoting rights return automatically on release from incarceration for the felony; the person simply registers. For jury service, a person is disqualified if convicted of a felony within the past seven years, while a felony case is pending, or while in the custody of a correctional institution. Firearm licenses are handled separately: people with felony convictions are 'prohibited persons' who cannot be issued a firearms license. A sentence may be commuted by the governor and the Governor's Council under chapter 127, section 152.
c. 51, §1: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVIII/Chapter51/Section1; c. 140, §121F: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section121F.
Source: G.L. c. 51, §1; G.L. c. 234A, §4(7); G.L. c. 140, §121F; G.L. c. 265, §2(d)

More Massachusetts criminal law

FAQ

How do you restore your rights after a felony in Massachusetts?
Voting rights return automatically on release from incarceration for the felony; the person simply registers. For jury service, a person is disqualified if convicted of a felony within the past seven years, while a felony case is pending, or while in the custody of a correctional institution. Firearm licenses are handled separately: people with felony convictions are 'prohibited persons' who cannot be issued a firearms license. A sentence may be commuted by the governor and the Governor's Council under chapter 127, section 152.

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.