What Are Some Things Felons Are Not Allowed to Own and Do in the United States?

The term 'felon' refers to a person who has been convicted of a serious criminal offense, such as robbery, burglary, or violent crime. Once convicted, felons may face a range of restrictions and limitations that extend beyond the prison term itself. This article explores the items and rights that felons in the United States are not allowed to own or access.

Restricted Items and Possessions for Felons in Prison

Felons who are incarcerated are subject to a strict list of prohibited items and possessions, which can vary depending on the federal or state prison. Common items that are banned include:

Guns Explosives Illegal drugs Counterfeit currency Stolen property Child pornography Prohibited wildlife Other contraband items

Upon entering prison, all personal effects are confiscated, and such items are held securely. This practice serves to ensure the safety and security of the prison environment and prevent inmates from having access to dangerous or illegal items.

Voting Rights for Felons and Ex-Felons

The topic of voting rights for felons often generates significant debate. Until recently, many states in the United States barred felons from voting, either for a set period or permanently, depending on the state's laws. However, this has been evolving as more states are reconsidering these policies.

A recent study found that nearly one in four adults in the U.S. has faced a state-based voting restriction. These restrictions generally fall into different categories:

Total disenfranchisement: Felons are permanently barred from voting, even upon release from prison. Conditional disenfranchisement: Felons can vote once they have served their sentence, including parole or probation. The expungement process: Felons can apply for their criminal record to be expunged, which may then restore their voting rights.

Several states have taken steps to expand voting rights for felons, but there is still considerable variation. For example, some states allow felons to vote while on parole but not after, while others allow all felons to vote, regardless of the nature of the crime.

For ex-felons, the restrictions are not as severe but still exist. In many states, ex-felons are required to wait a certain period before they can have their voting rights restored. This period can range from five to twenty years or more, depending on the nature of the crime and the state's laws.

Discriminatory Measures and the Future

There is a growing consensus among lawmakers and civil rights advocates that the current restrictions on voting rights for felons are discriminatory and unjust. Critics argue that these laws disproportionately affect communities with high rates of petty crime, disproportionately composed of minority populations.

Efforts to reform these laws are ongoing, with some states taking significant strides in recent years. For example, in 2018, Florida voters passed a constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights to felons who have completed their sentences, but not to those who have been convicted of murder or sexual offenses.

However, there is still a long road ahead. In some states, the legal challenges and political barriers to reform remain substantial. The issue will likely continue to be a contentious topic in the coming years as more communities push for fairer and more inclusive voting rights policies.

Peace and prosperity to all in our communities.