Restoring Civil Rights After a Felony in 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.