5 RIGHTS YOU LOSE WITH A FELONY CONVICTION IN CALIFORNIA In California, individuals convicted of a felony lose their right to vote while incarcerated in state or federal prison. Although voting rights are automatically restored upon release, many individuals are unaware of this and do not re-register to vote. This temporary loss of suffrage reduces civic engagement and political participation among formerly incarcerated individuals, which can affect representation in communities with high incarceration rates. LOSS OF VOTING RIGHTS A felony conviction in California results in a lifetime ban on owning or possessing firearms. This restriction is enforced under both state and federal law. Felons are prohibited from purchasing, transporting, or using firearms, and violations of this restriction can lead to additional felony charges. Restoration of gun rights is only possible through a governor’s pardon or, in rare cases, expungement combined with a certificate of rehabilitation. FIREARM OWNERSHIP PROHIBITION Felons in California are disqualified from serving on a jury, which is a key civic duty. This ban is permanent unless the individual receives a full pardon. As jurors are intended to represent a fair cross-section of the community, this exclusion can diminish the diversity and representativeness of jury pools, especially in communities where felony convictions are more prevalent. INELIGIBILITY TO SERVE ON A JURY Felony convictions can bar individuals from running for or holding public office in California. Depending on the nature of the offense, some individuals are permanently disqualified, particularly if their crime involved corruption or misuse of public trust. Even for those eligible for reinstatement, the path involves formal legal processes such as obtaining a pardon, making political reintegration challenging. LIMITATIONS ON HOLDING PUBLIC OFFICE A felony conviction creates significant hurdles in the job market, especially in professions requiring state-issued licenses. Many licensing boards automatically deny applications from individuals with felonies, particularly in fields like healthcare, law, education, and finance. This loss of access to professional development limits economic mobility and hinders reintegration into society after incarceration. BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT AND LICENSING Consulting us can help you explore options to restore your rights after a felony conviction! Call: (619) 525-7005 Visit: www.bajajdefens.com