Restoring Civil Rights After a Felony in Virginia

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

Short answer: 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; Va. Const. art. II, § 1; Va. Code § 18.2-308.2(C); Secretary of the Commonwealth, Restoration of Rights

Restoring rights after a felony	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. Source: Va. Const. art. II, § 1; Va. Code § 18.2-308.2(C); Secretary of the Commonwealth, Restoration of Rights

Restoring rights after a felony

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.

Source: Va. Const. art. II, § 1; Va. Code § 18.2-308.2(C); Secretary of the Commonwealth, Restoration of Rights

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FAQ

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

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.