When you’ve been charged with a felony in the state of Texas, one of your concerns may be the ultimate loss of some of the basic rights of citizenship. You may have heard rumors that such a conviction will cause you to forfeit more than your freedom of movement. Here’s how a felony conviction in Texas will impact your rights.
The Right to Vote
Under Texas law, if you are convicted of and imprisoned for committing a felony, you will not be allowed to vote while you are in prison. However, your right to vote may be restored upon the completion of your sentence. In Texas, that will only happen when you have completed all parole and probation associated with the conviction. The ban does not affect persons under deferred felony supervision.
The Right to Hold Public Office
In Texas, once you have been convicted of any type of felony, you will be barred from seeking or being appointed to public office. There’s only one way to change that—you must obtain a full pardon from the governor or the president.
The Right to Own or Possess Firearms
Upon conviction of a felony in Texas, you will be prohibited from purchasing, owning or possessing a gun of any kind. You can seek to restore some of your gun rights, but must wait five years after the completion of a prison term, parole and probation. Even if you are successful in restoring your gun rights, you will only be allowed to possess a firearm in your home.
After conviction of a felony in Texas, you will also be banned from owning or possession body armor.
If you violate the rule against ownership or possession of a firearm by a felon in Texas, you can be charged with a 3rd degree felony.
The Right to Serve on a Jury
Under Texas law, anyone convicted of a felony will be permanently barred from sitting on a jury.
Contact the Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen
At the law office of Bailey & Galyen, we provide a free initial consultation to every client. To set up an appointment with an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney, contact us by e-mail or call our offices at one of the convenient locations listed below. We will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
