Restoration of Rights After a Felony by State (2026)
How each state handles restoring rights after a felony, from each state's code and official agencies.
| State | Restoring rights after a felony |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Voting rights lost for a disqualifying felony are restored by applying to the Board of Pardons and Paroles for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote; the certificate must be granted when the requirements are met (sentence completed, pardon, or release from probation or parole; no pending felony charges; court-ordered fines, costs, fees and restitution paid). People convicted of impeachment, murder, rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, incest, sexual torture, certain child sex and obscenity offenses, or treason cannot use the certificate and must seek a pardon with restoration of voting rights. Other civil and political rights are restored through a pardon from the Board of Pardons and Paroles, and a pardon does not remove those disabilities unless it says so; the felon firearm ban is lifted only by a pardon that expressly restores the right to possess a firearm. Ala. Code 1975 §§ 15-22-36.1(a), (g), (h); 15-22-36; 13A-11-72 |
| Alaska | Most Alaska civil rights return automatically at 'unconditional discharge', when the person is released from all disability under the sentence, including probation and parole. Voting: a person disqualified for a felony involving moral turpitude may register again on unconditional discharge, and the commissioner of corrections must set procedures to advise discharged people of registration requirements. Jury service: a person convicted of a felony is disqualified from serving as a juror until unconditional discharge. Firearms: the ban on possessing a concealable firearm after a felony does not apply if the person received a pardon, the conviction was set aside, or 10 years or more have passed since unconditional discharge and the prior conviction was not for a crime against the person under AS 11.41 (or a similar law elsewhere). AS 15.05.030; AS 33.30.241; AS 09.20.020; AS 11.61.200(a)(1), (b)(1); AS 12.55.185 |
| Arizona | Arizona restores civil rights (voting, holding office, jury service) automatically for a first-time felony offender who completes probation or receives an absolute discharge and has paid all victim restitution; the sentencing court must tell the person in writing whether restoration will be automatic or when they can apply. Others apply to the superior court after final discharge, with no filing fee, and restoration is at the judge's discretion; a denial must state reasons in writing. Firearm rights are not restored automatically for anyone convicted of a dangerous or serious offense, who must petition the court separately. A person can also ask the court to set aside the conviction after completing the sentence, which releases most penalties and disabilities, except for dangerous offenses, offenses requiring sex offender registration and certain crimes against children under 15. A.R.S. §§ 13-906(A), (E); 13-907; 13-908; 13-905(A), (D), (P) |
| Arkansas | Voting rights are restored by showing the county clerk proof that the sentence is complete (discharge from probation or parole, all supervision fees paid, imprisonment satisfied, and court costs, fines or restitution paid) or that the record was sealed, and then re-registering. Firearm rights do not come back automatically: under the felon-in-possession law they return only through a pardon that expressly restores them, Governor or federal authorization, or restoration by the Governor on the recommendation of the local police chief or sheriff when the offense did not involve a weapon and was more than eight years earlier. Ark. Const. amend. 51, § 11(d)(2) (as cited by the Pulaski County Clerk); Ark. Code § 5-73-103 |
| California | Voting rights return automatically when a California prison term ends, though the person must register again; the Secretary of State says the county sends a notice confirming the person can register. For broader relief, a person convicted of a felony who served time in state or local prison can petition the superior court for a Certificate of Rehabilitation after a period of rehabilitation (generally at least 7 years, including 5 years of California residence) once off parole or supervision; felony probationers must first get the case dismissed. A certificate does not erase the conviction or restore gun rights, but it is automatically forwarded to the Governor as an application for a pardon; people who cannot get a certificate can apply to the Governor for a pardon directly. California Secretary of State, Voting Rights Restored; Judicial Council of California Self-Help Guide, Certificate of Rehabilitation (citing Penal Code §§ 4852.03, 4852.05) |
| Colorado | Colorado restores voting automatically: the bar on registering and voting ends when a person is no longer serving a sentence of detention or confinement for a felony, so a person can vote while on parole. Firearm rights are not restored the same way: possessing a firearm after any felony conviction is the crime of possession of a weapon by a previous offender (a class 5 felony), and for juvenile felony adjudications the ban lasts 10 years after the sentence is completed, after which the person may ask a court to lift it for good cause. The habitual criminal statute notes the governor may issue a pardon or clemency order case by case. C.R.S. §§ 1-2-103(4); 18-12-108(1)-(3); 18-1.3-801(1)(d) |
| Connecticut | Voting is restored automatically on release from prison (§ 9-46a); a person who has not regained voting privileges may not run for or hold public office (§ 9-46(c)). Jury service: a person is disqualified only if convicted of a felony within the past three years, facing a pending felony case, or in the custody of the Commissioner of Correction. Firearms: the felony ban on possessing firearms has no end date in the statute. Pardons: the Board of Pardons and Paroles grants conditional, provisional or absolute pardons and certificates of rehabilitation; it may accept a pardon application five years after a felony conviction (three years after a misdemeanor), or earlier in extraordinary circumstances. Provisional pardons and certificates of rehabilitation relieve barriers to jobs and licenses. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 9-46, 9-46a, 51-217(a)(2), 53a-217, 54-130a, 54-130e |
| Delaware | Voting returns after the full sentence (including probation and parole) is discharged, except for the disqualifying felonies (murder/manslaughter, bribery-type offenses, sexual offenses). Jury service: convicted felons are disqualified until their civil rights are restored. Firearms: a felony conviction makes a person a 'person prohibited' with no end date in § 1448; the 5-year sunset in § 1448(d) applies only to people prohibited solely because of a non-felony conviction. Pardons are granted by the Governor, but only on the written recommendation of a majority of the Board of Pardons after a full hearing; the constitution lists a pardon as one way the voting disqualification is removed. Del. Const. art. V, § 2, art. VII, § 1; 10 Del. C. § 4509(b)(6); 11 Del. C. § 1448(d) |
| District of Columbia | Voting is never lost for a felony in D.C. Jury service: a person with a felony conviction may qualify again 'not less than one year after the completion of the term of incarceration, probation, or parole,' after certification under the jury plan. Firearms: people convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year may not possess firearms in D.C., and the statute gives no restoration route. Pardons: clemency for D.C. Code offenses runs through the President; the D.C. Clemency Board (in the Executive Office of the Mayor) reviews applications and decides whether to recommend them to the President and the Office of the Pardon Attorney, considering innocence, remorse and rehabilitation, with special attention to terminally ill or elderly applicants. D.C. Code §§ 1-1001.02, 11-1906(b)(2)(B), 22-4503, 24-481.03 |
| Florida | Clemency (pardons, restoration of civil rights, commutations) is granted by the Governor with the approval of two members of the Cabinet (the Board of Executive Clemency); applications go through the Florida Commission on Offender Review. Voting returns automatically after all terms of the sentence are completed, except for murder and felony sexual offenses (§ 98.0751). Jury service: anyone convicted of a felony is disqualified 'unless restored to civil rights.' Firearms: the felon firearm ban does not apply once the person's civil rights and firearm authority have been restored or the record expunged. Fla. Stat. §§ 940.01, 940.03, 940.05, 98.0751, 40.013(1), 790.23 |
| 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. State Board of Pardons and Paroles, Pardons & Restoration of Rights; O.C.G.A. § 16-11-131(c) |
| Hawaii | Voting returns on parole, probation or final discharge, and the bar on running for or holding public office lasts until final discharge (a public office held at conviction is forfeited). Jury service: a person convicted of a felony is disqualified only until 'finally discharged or pardoned.' Firearms: a felony conviction bars owning or possessing firearms and ammunition, and the statute gives no restoration route for felony convictions. Pardons are granted by the governor; the director of corrections and the Hawaii paroling authority consider applications the governor refers to them and make a recommendation. Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 831-2, 612-4(b)(2), (c), 134-7, 353-72 |
| Idaho | Restoration is automatic for most rights: on final discharge (finishing prison, probation and parole), a person convicted of an Idaho felony gets back the full rights of citizenship. Gun rights are the exception for treason and the serious felonies listed in the statute (for example murder, voluntary manslaughter, rape, robbery, kidnapping, burglary, aggravated assault or battery, felony drug manufacturing or delivery, trafficking and listed child sex crimes). Those people may apply to the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole to restore firearm rights, but not until 5 years after final discharge, and the commission may not restore them for murder or for a listed felony whose sentence was enhanced for using a firearm. People convicted in other states regain voting rights on final discharge but not firearm rights in the same manner. Idaho Code § 18-310(2), (3), (4) |
| Illinois | Voting rights return automatically when a person is released from prison or jail (re-registration is required). Firearm rights are handled through the FOID (Firearm Owner's Identification) card system: a person denied a FOID card because of a felony may ask the FOID Card Review Board for relief, except that for forcible felonies, stalking, aggravated stalking, domestic battery, Class 2 or higher drug felonies, deadly-weapons felonies and juvenile felony adjudications the request must be filed with the circuit court in the county of residence. A pardon (executive clemency) comes from the Governor: petitions are filed with the Prisoner Review Board, which holds a hearing and sends a confidential recommendation to the Governor, who decides with no deadline. IDOC voting guide; Illinois State Police FOID Card Review Board pages; Illinois Prisoner Review Board executive clemency page |
| Indiana | The right to vote returns when a person is no longer imprisoned, but the person must register again; it is available while on probation or parole. A pardon is granted by the Governor: the Indiana Parole Board serves as a fact-finding commission for clemency hearings on the Governor's behalf, and pardon applications are filed with the Parole Board after the sentence is completed. Indiana's firearm ban applies to 'serious violent felons', and people convicted of an offense punishable by more than one year may not carry a handgun. Indiana Election Division 2026 Voter Registration Guidebook; Indiana Parole Board, Parole Hearings page; IC 35-47-4-5, 35-47-2-1.5 |
| Iowa | 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. Iowa Code §§ 914.1, 914.2, 914.3, 914.7; Governor's Executive Order 7 |
| Kansas | Kansas restores civil rights automatically: a felony conviction makes a person ineligible to hold public office, register and vote, or serve on a jury, and those ineligibilities end when the person completes the terms of the authorized sentence. Firearm rights follow a separate rule: the ban on possessing a firearm or knife is permanent if the felony involved a firearm, lasts 8 years after the sentence or supervision ends for listed serious felonies, 3 years for other person felonies, and 3 months for other nonperson felonies; except for the serious-felony category, it does not apply to a conviction that has been expunged or pardoned. K.S.A. 21-6613; K.S.A. 21-6304 |
| Kentucky | In Kentucky, restoring civil rights is a partial pardon by the Governor. Under Executive Order 2019-003, the Department of Corrections reviews people at final discharge and, if eligible, issues a Notice of Restoration of the right to vote and to hold public office. This automatic restoration does not include the right to serve on a jury, obtain certain professional licenses, or possess a firearm. People who do not qualify (for example, violent offenses or federal and out-of-state convictions) may apply to the Governor for restoration of civil rights under KRS 196.045, through the Department of Corrections or any Probation and Parole office. A full pardon is a separate process. Executive Order 2019-003; KRS 196.045; Kentucky Civil Rights Restoration FAQ; Department of Corrections Restoration of Civil Rights page |
| Louisiana | Louisiana's Constitution says full rights of citizenship are restored when state and federal supervision ends after a conviction for any offense. A first offender (never before convicted of a felony) is pardoned automatically on completing the sentence, without action by the Board of Pardons or the governor, but only if all court costs for the conviction have been paid; the Division of Probation and Parole issues a certificate stating the person has all rights of citizenship and franchise. Other pardons and commutations are granted by the governor on the recommendation of the Board of Pardons. Firearms are separate: people convicted of the felonies listed in the felon-in-possession law may not possess a firearm until 10 years after completing the sentence, probation or parole, with no felony conviction in that time. La. Const. art. I, §20; La. R.S. 15:572(A)-(D); R.S. 14:95.1 |
| Maine | Because Maine does not take away the right to vote for a crime, there is no voting restoration process. Maine's juror qualifications (U.S. citizenship, age 18, county residence and English ability) also do not exclude people with convictions. Firearms are different: a person convicted of a crime punishable by one year or more (and some others) may not possess a firearm, but five years after being finally discharged from the sentence, a person disqualified by certain convictions may apply to the Office of the Governor for a permit, valid for four years, to possess a firearm; the permit does not allow a concealed handgun and does not cover firearms as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3). 21-A M.R.S. §111; 14 M.R.S. §1211; 15 M.R.S. §393(1), (2) |
| Maryland | Voting rights return automatically when a person is no longer serving a court-ordered prison sentence for the felony; no application is needed beyond registering. Jury service is different: a person convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year who received a sentence of more than one year is not qualified to serve on a jury unless pardoned. Firearm rights are governed separately by Maryland's ban on possession by people with disqualifying convictions. Md. Code, Elec. Law §3-102(b)(1); Cts. & Jud. Proc. §8-103(b)(4), (c); Pub. Safety §5-133 |
| 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. G.L. c. 51, §1; G.L. c. 234A, §4(7); G.L. c. 140, §121F; G.L. c. 265, §2(d) |
| Michigan | Voting rights return automatically on release from confinement; Michigan's bar applies only while a person is confined in jail or prison. Jury service is different: to qualify as a juror, a person must not have been convicted of a felony. Firearm rights after a felony return only after waiting periods: 3 years after paying all fines, serving all prison time and completing probation or parole, or for a 'specified felony' (involving force, drugs, firearms, explosives, burglary of an occupied dwelling or arson), 5 years plus restoration of rights under MCL 28.424. MCL 168.758b; MCL 600.1307a(1)(e); MCL 750.224f |
| Minnesota | Minnesota restores civil rights automatically. When a person convicted of a crime is discharged (by court order after a stayed sentence, or when the sentence expires), the discharge restores all civil rights and full citizenship as if the conviction had not taken place, and voting rights return even earlier, whenever the person is not incarcerated. Firearms are the main exception: a person convicted of a 'crime of violence' may not possess firearms or ammunition for life unless a court restores that ability (the person must show good cause and have been released from confinement; after a denial, a new petition generally must wait three years) or federal relief is granted. The restoration section does not apply to forfeiture of and disqualification for public office under section 609.42, subdivision 2. Minn. Stat. §609.165, subds. 1, 1a, 1d, 2, 3; §201.014, subd. 2a |
| Mississippi | Restoring rights in Mississippi is not automatic. Voting rights come back in one of three ways: a 'suffrage bill' passed by a two-thirds vote of both houses of the Legislature (Constitution § 253), a pardon from the Governor (Constitution § 124; the petitioner must first publish the request in a newspaper in the county of the crime for thirty days), or, for someone discharged from probation, an executive order of the Governor after a written request through the field officer (§ 47-7-41), which the Governor may grant in his discretion. Gun rights are restored separately: by a pardon, by federal relief under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c), or by a certificate of rehabilitation that the court of conviction may grant if it finds the person has been rehabilitated, has led a law-abiding life since finishing the sentence, and is not likely to be a danger to public safety. Miss. Const. art. 12, § 253; art. 5, § 124; Miss. Code Ann. §§ 47-7-41, 97-37-5; Mississippi Secretary of State, Disenfranchising Crimes (2025) |
| Missouri | In Missouri, voting rights return automatically when the voting bar ends (release from confinement, or discharge from probation or parole for the listed serious offenses), except that an election-related conviction bars voting permanently. A felony conviction permanently disqualifies a person from serving on a jury. A person convicted of a felony cannot hold public office until completing the sentence or probation, and a felony connected with the right of suffrage bars holding office forever; a public official convicted of a felony forfeits the office at sentencing. Possessing a firearm after any felony conviction is a separate crime (class C felony, or class B after a dangerous felony or a prior conviction for the same offense), and that statute contains no restoration procedure (its only exception is for antique firearms). RSMo §§ 115.133.2, 561.026, 561.021, 571.070 |
| Montana | Montana restores rights largely by law. A conviction does not take away civil or constitutional rights except as the Montana Constitution provides or as the sentencing judge specifically orders as a condition of the sentence, and once the sentence has expired or the person is pardoned, the person 'is restored to all civil rights and full citizenship.' Voting returns on release from the penal institution. The jury statute says a person convicted of any felony is not competent to serve as a juror. Montana does not ban every felon from having guns: the state ban covers felonies that drew a weapon enhancement or that require sexual or violent offender registration, and those offenders may ask the district court for a permit to possess specific firearms on good cause. MCA §§ 46-18-801, 13-1-111(2), 3-15-303, 45-8-313, 45-8-314 |
| Nebraska | Nebraska splits restoration. Voting comes back automatically when the sentence, including parole, is complete. Serving on a jury and holding public office are not restored automatically: a person sentenced for a felony cannot be a juror or hold an office of honor, trust or profit unless the Board of Pardons issues a 'warrant of discharge,' which restores the civil rights the Board lists. For people not sentenced to a state prison, the Board issues the warrant of discharge after the sentencing court certifies that the judgment and sentence were satisfied. Possessing a firearm after a felony conviction is a Class ID felony (Class IB for a repeat), and that section contains no restoration procedure. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 29-112, 29-112.01, 32-313, 28-1206 |
| Nevada | Nevada restores most civil rights automatically on a schedule. On release from prison (or on probation, parole or pardon) the right to vote and to serve on a civil jury return immediately; the right to hold office returns 4 years after release or discharge from parole; and the right to serve on a criminal jury returns 6 years after. The person receives an official document listing the restoration dates, and no fee may be charged for a court order replacing a lost document. Firearm rights are not restored by these sections; a full, unconditional pardon from the Board of Pardons Commissioners restores all civil rights, 'including, without limitation, the right to bear arms,' and a conditional pardon must list any rights that remain limited. NRS 213.155, 213.157, 213.090 |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire restores most rights automatically. A person sentenced for a felony loses the right to vote and to seek or hold public office only until release from incarceration, and the discharge document must state that the rights to vote and to hold future office are restored; otherwise a convicted person keeps all civil rights. For an out-of-state or federal sentence, the governor issues a certificate of restoration on application. Jury service is different: a juror may not have been convicted of any felony unless the conviction has been annulled. Owning or possessing a firearm or other deadly weapon after a felony against a person or property, or a drug felony, is a class B felony. RSA 607-A:2, 607-A:3, 607-A:5, 500-A:7-a, V, 159:3 |
| New Jersey | Voting returns automatically on release from incarceration; no application is needed. Jury service is different: a person convicted of any indictable offense under New Jersey, another state's or federal law is not qualified to serve on a jury, and the qualifications statute gives no restoration path. A public official convicted of a dishonesty offense, a crime of the third degree or above, or an offense touching the office forfeits the office, and a person convicted of an offense involving or touching public office is forever disqualified from holding public office in New Jersey. Firearm possession is barred after the convictions listed in the 'certain persons' law. N.J.S. 19:4-1(8); N.J.S. 2B:20-1(e); N.J.S. 2C:51-2(a), (d); N.J.S. 2C:39-7 |
| New Mexico | Voting returns automatically on release from prison (House Bill 4, 2023). Other civil rights are restored by a governor's pardon, which under the state constitution (Art. V, Sec. 6) is at the governor's sole discretion; according to the Corrections Department's clemency policy, a pardon restores all or some of the rights of citizenship, removes state-imposed disabilities such as the right to vote and hold public office, and is generally applied for only after a waiting period free of arrest after discharge from supervision: 5 years for a fourth degree felony, 6 years for third degree, 7 years for second degree and 8 years for first degree (2 more years after an unsatisfactory discharge). For firearms, the state felon-in-possession ban applies only to a felony conviction for which less than 10 years have passed since the sentence or probation was completed, and does not apply after a pardon or to a deferred sentence (see the felon-in-possession page). N.M. Const. art. V, sec. 6; NMCD Policy CD-052100; NMSA 1978, 30-7-16 |
| New York | 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. N.Y. Election Law 5-106; N.Y. Judiciary Law 510(3); N.Y. Correction Law 701, 703-a |
| North Carolina | Citizenship rights (on which voting and jury eligibility depend) are restored automatically when a person is unconditionally discharged from prison, probation or parole by the agency in charge (or by the court for a suspended sentence), or receives an unconditional pardon, or satisfies all conditions of a conditional pardon; the same applies to federal and out-of-state convictions. Firearm rights are separate: a North Carolina resident convicted of a single nonviolent felony whose citizenship rights have been restored for at least 20 years may petition the district court where they live to restore the right to possess a firearm (Class A, B1 and B2 felonies, and felonies involving assault, a firearm or deadly weapon, or sex offender registration, do not qualify; the filing fee is $200). G.S. 13-1; G.S. 9-3; G.S. 14-415.4 |
| North Dakota | Rights return automatically. Except as otherwise provided by law, a convicted person keeps all political and civil rights, including the right to vote and to hold public office, which are lost only during actual incarceration for a felony (a public office held at the time of sentencing is forfeited). Jury service is barred only for someone who has lost the right to vote because of imprisonment or is disqualified by a special provision of law. Firearms are restored by the passage of time: after a violent felony (under chapters 12.1-16 through 12.1-25), possession is banned for ten years after conviction or release from incarceration, parole or probation, whichever is latest; after other felonies (and certain violent class A misdemeanors involving a weapon), the ban lasts five years. Violating the firearm ban is a Class C felony. N.D.C.C. 12.1-33-01 to 12.1-33-03; N.D.C.C. 27-09.1-08(2)(e); N.D.C.C. 62.1-02-01(1) |
| Ohio | Voting returns automatically on release from incarceration. A felony conviction otherwise makes a person incompetent to serve as a juror or to hold an office of honor, trust or profit, and the statute restores those rights only through a full pardon from the Governor (which also restores voting). Firearm rights: a person under a firearm disability may apply to the court of common pleas in the county of residence for relief; the court may grant it if the person has been fully discharged from prison, community control, post-release control and parole, has led a law-abiding life since, and is not otherwise barred by law. Relief is not available to someone convicted under 2923.132 or convicted twice of a felony with certain firearm specifications. R.C. 2961.01(A); R.C. 2313.17(A)-(B); R.C. 2923.14 |
| Oklahoma | Voting returns automatically once the sentence is fully completed (registration is required). A person with a felony conviction may not run for or hold elective state, county, municipal, judicial or school office for 15 years after completing the sentence, unless pardoned. People convicted of a felony cannot serve on a jury unless fully restored to their civil rights. Firearm rights come back only for a nonviolent felony and only with a full pardon (and no other unpardoned felony); possession by a felon is otherwise a Class B4 felony. Pardons are granted by the Governor; the Pardon and Parole Board reviews clemency applications and makes recommendations that are advisory to the Governor. 26 O.S. §§ 4-101, 5-105a; 38 O.S. § 28(C)(7); 21 O.S. § 1283(A)-(B); 57 O.S. § 332.2(A) |
| Oregon | During a felony prison term a person loses the rights to vote, hold public or party office, hold a position of private trust and serve on a jury; these return automatically on release from incarceration. Jury service has a longer bar: a person convicted of a felony, or who served a felony sentence (including probation or parole), within the past 15 years may not serve on a grand jury or criminal trial jury. Felon-in-possession of a firearm (Class C felony) does not apply to a person with only one felony that did not involve homicide or a firearm or switchblade and who was discharged from the sentence at least 15 years earlier; others may petition the circuit court for relief, or have the record set aside. ORS 137.281, 10.030(3), 166.270(4)-(5), 166.274 |
| Pennsylvania | Voting returns automatically on release from incarceration. Jury service is barred for anyone convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison unless they have received a pardon or amnesty. People convicted of offenses listed in the firearms law (or a felony drug offense) may not possess firearms regardless of sentence length; a court of common pleas must grant relief if the conviction was vacated or received a full pardon from the Governor, or certain federal relief conditions are met. Possessing a firearm in violation of the ban after a listed felony is a felony of the second degree. 42 Pa.C.S. § 4502(a)(3); 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105(a), (a.1)(1), (d) |
| Rhode Island | Voting returns automatically when a person is discharged from incarceration. Jury service is barred only while a person is serving a sentence of confinement for a felony conviction (the broader felony bar was removed in 2023). Firearm possession remains banned for anyone convicted of a 'crime of violence' (violating the ban carries 2 to 10 years, with no suspended sentence or probation); for certain domestic-violence misdemeanors the ban ends on expungement or completion of a one-year filing or probation. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 17-9.2-3, 9-9-1.1(b), 11-47-5(a), (d) |
| South Carolina | Voting returns after the full sentence, including probation and parole, is completed. A person convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year cannot serve on a jury unless civil rights are restored by pardon or amnesty. A pardon fully restores civil rights lost by the conviction, including voting, jury service, holding public office (with one statutory exception) and occupational licensing. Possessing a firearm or ammunition after a conviction punishable by more than one year is a felony (up to 5 years for a first offense), but the ban does not apply to a conviction that was expunged, set aside or pardoned, or for which civil rights were restored, unless the pardon or restoration says otherwise. S.C. Code §§ 7-5-120(B), 14-7-810(1), 24-21-990, 16-23-500(A), (B), (F)(3) |
| South Dakota | A prison sentence suspends the right to hold or run for public office and to serve on a jury during the term; an inmate discharged from prison or parole is restored to the full rights of citizenship and receives a certificate of restoration from the Secretary of Corrections. People with a felony conviction cannot serve on a jury unless restored to civil rights. Voting is governed by the election laws and returns when the sentence is completed. A person convicted of a crime of violence or certain felony drug offenses may not possess a firearm (a Class 6 felony) until 15 years after last being discharged from prison, jail, probation or parole. SDCL 23A-27-35, 24-5-2, 16-13-10, 12-4-18, 22-14-15 |
| Tennessee | Tennessee restores voting rights only through a court order (a petition for restoration of citizenship rights) for felony convictions on or after May 18, 1981. The person must have been pardoned, discharged from custody by reason of service, or granted a certificate of final discharge from parole or other supervision, must owe no restitution, and must have complied with child support orders for the past 12 months; certain felonies (such as murder, rape, treason, voter fraud and, since July 1, 2006, certain public-corruption felonies and felony sexual offenses against minors) can never be restored. For a court order issued on or after May 2, 2025, the person gives a certified copy to the county Administrator of Elections, who sends it to the state Coordinator of Elections for verification; for an older order, the person must also file a sworn statement about restitution, child support and disqualifying convictions. The Administrative Office of the Courts provides a sample restoration petition. Tennessee Secretary of State, Restoration of Voting Rights guide |
| Texas | Voting returns automatically once a felony sentence is fully discharged (including parole, supervision or probation). Serving on a jury and holding public elective office are different: a person with a felony conviction is disqualified from jury service, and may not hold elective office unless pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disabilities. Pardons are granted by the Governor on the written recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. People with certain non-violent, non-drug, non-firearm federal or foreign convictions may apply to the Board for restoration of civil rights after completing the sentence and a waiting period (three years for a federal offense). Firearm possession is barred until five years after release from confinement or supervision, and then allowed only at the person's home. Tex. Elec. Code §§ 11.002(a)(4), 141.001(a)(4); Tex. Gov't Code § 62.102(a)(8); Tex. Code Crim. Proc. arts. 48.01, 48.05; Tex. Penal Code § 46.04 |
| Utah | Voting returns automatically at probation, parole or the end of incarceration. The right to hold elective office returns when all felony convictions are expunged, or when 10 years have passed since the most recent felony conviction, all court-ordered restitution and fines are paid, and probation, parole or incarceration is complete for each unexpunged felony (a person convicted of a grievous sexual offense against a child may never serve on a state or local school board). A person with a felony conviction cannot serve on a jury unless the conviction is expunged or reduced to a misdemeanor. Firearm restrictions end when the conviction is expunged, set aside, reduced to a misdemeanor or pardoned, or civil rights are restored, unless the order expressly bars firearms. Utah Code §§ 20A-2-101.5(2)-(4); 78B-1-105(2); 76-11-302 to 76-11-306 |
| Vermont | Voting rights are never lost in Vermont, so they need no restoration. For other legal consequences of a conviction ('mandatory sanctions'), a person may petition the court for a certificate of restoration of rights five years after the most recent conviction or release from incarceration, whichever is later; the court may grant it if the person shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they have a lawful occupation or support, are complying with their sentence, have no pending charges, and pose no unreasonable risk. A certificate cannot relieve sex-offender registration, certain driver's license sanctions, ineligibility for law enforcement jobs, or sanctions from a 'listed crime' or drug trafficking conviction. Vermont's firearm ban for people convicted of a violent crime does not apply to a person granted federal relief under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c). 28 V.S.A. § 807; 13 V.S.A. §§ 8011, 8012, 4017 |
| Virginia | The Constitution of Virginia gives the Governor sole discretion to restore civil rights (voting, serving on a jury, running for office, and becoming a notary public), not including firearm rights; people apply through the Secretary of the Commonwealth. According to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, a person convicted of a non-common-law felony who is not incarcerated may vote without the Governor's restoration but must still apply to restore their other civil rights. Firearm rights are restored separately: a person whose civil rights the Governor has restored may petition the circuit court. Va. Const. art. II, § 1; Va. Code § 18.2-308.2(C); Secretary of the Commonwealth, Restoration of Rights |
| Washington | Voting rights return automatically when a person is no longer in total confinement under the Department of Corrections. Other civil rights, such as serving on a jury, return with a certificate of discharge, which the sentencing court issues once all sentence requirements, including all legal financial obligations, are completed; a person may also move the court for a certificate, and in some cases may get one after verifying completion of the nonfinancial conditions, effective at a later date. A person with a felony conviction cannot serve on a jury until civil rights are restored. Firearm rights are separate: the felony ban ends only with a pardon, annulment or certificate of rehabilitation based on rehabilitation or innocence, or by petition. RCW 29A.08.520; 9.94A.637(1)-(4), (9); 2.36.070(5); 9.41.040 |
| West Virginia | Voting returns automatically when the felony sentence, including incarceration, probation and parole, is complete. Jury service: a person convicted of perjury, false swearing or any crime punishable by more than one year in prison is disqualified, unless the conviction was expunged or set aside or the person later receives an unconditional pardon. Firearms: most people barred by a conviction may petition the circuit court of their county, which may restore the ability to possess a firearm on clear and convincing evidence that the person is competent and capable, if federal law allows; that petition is not available to people convicted of a felony crime of violence, a felony sexual offense, or certain felony drug offenses, and an expunged, set-aside or unconditionally pardoned conviction no longer bars possession. The Governor may grant reprieves and pardons after conviction. Holding public office requires being a citizen entitled to vote. W. Va. Code §§ 3-2-2(b), 52-1-8(b)(5)-(6), 61-7-7(b), (f), (g); W. Va. Const. art. VII, § 11; art. IV, § 4 |
| Wisconsin | Most civil rights return automatically: a person convicted of a crime is restored to civil rights by serving out the term of imprisonment or otherwise satisfying the sentence, and the Department of Corrections' certificate lists which rights are and are not restored. Voting returns when imprisonment (including parole and extended supervision) or probation ends. Jury service is open to a person with a felony conviction once civil rights are restored. Holding state or local office: a person convicted of a felony is not eligible unless pardoned. Firearms: the felon-in-possession ban does not apply to a person who has received a pardon and been expressly authorized to possess a firearm under federal law, or who obtained federal relief from disabilities. The Governor grants pardons after conviction (except for treason and impeachment). Wis. Stat. §§ 304.078(2)-(3), 756.02, 941.29(5); Wis. Const. art. XIII, § 3(2); art. V, § 6 |
| Wyoming | A felony conviction takes away the rights to vote, serve on a jury, hold public office and possess firearms unless the conviction is reversed or annulled, the person is pardoned, or rights are restored. Voting: automatic certificate from the Department of Corrections for first-time nonviolent felons after the full sentence. Other rights (jury, office, and for Wyoming nonviolent convictions, firearms): restored automatically five years after the sentence, including probation or parole, is complete, if the person has no other felony conviction. Anyone convicted of a felony can also apply to the Governor for a certificate restoring rights after the sentence expires or probation ends, and the Governor handles pardons. A violent felon who possesses a firearm without a pardon or restoration commits a felony (up to 3 years and/or $5,000). W.S. 6-10-106(a), 7-13-105(a)-(c), (f), (h), (j), 6-8-102(a) |
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.