Restoring Civil Rights After a Felony in 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.