Restoring Civil Rights After a Felony in New York

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

Short answer: Voting returns automatically on release from incarceration. Jury service is different: a juror must 'not have been convicted of a felony.' Other rights lost by conviction can be restored by a certificate of relief from disabilities or a certificate of good conduct, which relieve… N.Y. Election Law 5-106; N.Y. Judiciary Law 510(3); N.Y. Correction Law 701, 703-a

Restoring rights after a felony	Voting returns automatically on release from incarceration. Jury service is different: a juror must 'not have been convicted of a felony.' Other rights lost by conviction can be restored by a certificate of relief from disabilities or a certificate of good conduct, which relieve automatic forfeitures, disabilities and employment bars (including the right to vote); a certificate of relief from disabilities does not restore eligibility for public office. Neither certificate restores eligibility for a firearm license or permit after a class A-I felony or a violent felony offense. Jury: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/JUD/510 ; certificate of good conduct: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/COR/703-A . Source: N.Y. Election Law 5-106; N.Y. Judiciary Law 510(3); N.Y. Correction Law 701, 703-a

Restoring rights after a felony

Voting returns automatically on release from incarceration. Jury service is different: a juror must 'not have been convicted of a felony.' Other rights lost by conviction can be restored by a certificate of relief from disabilities or a certificate of good conduct, which relieve automatic forfeitures, disabilities and employment bars (including the right to vote); a certificate of relief from disabilities does not restore eligibility for public office. Neither certificate restores eligibility for a firearm license or permit after a class A-I felony or a violent felony offense.

Jury: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/JUD/510 ; certificate of good conduct: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/COR/703-A .

Source: N.Y. Election Law 5-106; N.Y. Judiciary Law 510(3); N.Y. Correction Law 701, 703-a

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FAQ

How do you restore your rights after a felony in New York?

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.