According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, as of 2020, roughly 6.1 million adults in the United States had felony convictions on their records. That’s nearly 1 in every 40 people.
Jury duty, meanwhile, is one of the core pillars of democracy. It ensures that legal cases are judged by a “jury of peers,” not just by the government. But here’s the catch—not everyone is allowed to serve on a jury. For felons, especially, the rules vary widely depending on where you live and whether you’ve completed your sentence, probation, or parole.
What Does the Law Say? Federal vs. State Jury Service Rules
Can Felons Serve on Federal Juries?
No, convicted felons are automatically disqualified from serving on a federal jury unless their civil rights have been restored.
This federal statute disqualifies anyone who “has a felony charge pending” or who “has been convicted in a State or Federal court of record of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year and has not had civil rights restored.”
So unless a felon’s rights—including the right to vote and serve on a jury—have been restored by their state, they are barred from federal jury duty.
Can Felons Do Jury Duty in State Courts?
Here’s where things get complicated—and interesting.
Every state has its own rules for jury eligibility, and some are more forgiving than others. The question of jury duty for felons hinges on three key factors:
- Type of felony conviction
- Whether the sentence is complete
- Whether civil rights have been restored
State-by-State Guide: Where Can Felons Serve on Juries?
| State | Can Felons Serve on Jury Duty? | Conditions / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | ✅ Yes | Allowed after completion of parole/probation as of 2020 |
| Texas | ❌ No | Only allowed if conviction is pardoned or civil rights restored |
| Florida | ❌ No | Must apply for clemency after completing sentence |
| New York | ✅ Yes | Allowed after release from prison |
| Illinois | ✅ Yes | Allowed after sentence completion |
| Georgia | ❌ No | Must apply to have civil rights restored |
| North Carolina | ✅ Yes | Rights restored automatically after sentence |
| Mississippi | ❌ No | Requires governor’s pardon or special legislation |
| Nevada | ✅ Yes | Eligible 6 years after sentence completion |
| Colorado | ✅ Yes | Allowed after sentence, including parole and probation |
| Alabama | ❌ No | Must petition for rights restoration |
| Michigan | ✅ Yes | Eligible after sentence served |
| Pennsylvania | ✅ Yes | Automatically eligible post-sentence |
| Ohio | ✅ Yes | Automatically restored after sentence completion |
| Louisiana | ❌ No | Must wait 5 years after sentence + no new charges |
| Oregon | ✅ Yes | Allowed post-sentence, no application needed |
| Washington | ✅ Yes | Rights automatically restored as of 2022 |
| Kentucky | ❌ No | Requires executive pardon or clemency |
| Tennessee | ❌ No | Civil rights must be restored through application |
| Arizona | ❌ No | Must apply for rights restoration through court |
The rules can change quickly, so always consult your state’s Board of Elections or Secretary of State website for the most up-to-date information.
More Opportunities: Does Sysco Hire Felons?
What Does “Restoring Civil Rights” Actually Mean?
In legal terms, civil rights restoration means reestablishing a person’s full set of legal rights after a felony conviction, including:
- Voting
- Serving on a jury
- Running for public office
- Owning firearms (in some states)
Restoration usually happens in one of these ways:
- Automatic restoration after completing sentence (e.g., Michigan, Oregon)
- Petition-based restoration (e.g., Georgia, Texas)
- Gubernatorial or judicial pardon (e.g., Florida, Kentucky)
In states requiring applications or governor approval, the process can take months or even years, and approval isn’t guaranteed.
Real-Life Examples: Felons Fighting for Jury Eligibility
Let’s look at some real-world stories of individuals challenging the status quo.
Example 1: California’s Reform
In 2020, California passed Assembly Bill 1076, which allowed former felons who had served their time (including probation) to serve on juries. This law changed lives for thousands of Californians.
“Jury duty is a civic duty—and a right. People who’ve turned their lives around deserve a seat at the table,” said Assembly Member Phil Ting, the bill’s author.
Example 2: Florida’s Strict Policy
In contrast, Florida requires a clemency hearing, often years after a sentence is completed. The Clemency Board receives tens of thousands of requests but approves only a few hundred annually.
That means many ex-felons in Florida will never serve on a jury again—even decades after their offense.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Legal Picture?
Denying felons the right to serve on juries affects the diversity, fairness, and representativeness of the legal system. Here’s why:
- Over-policing of minorities leads to disproportionate felony convictions, meaning juries may lack diversity.
- A jury should reflect the community. Excluding felons, especially rehabilitated ones, weakens that.
- Jury exclusion is often based on stigma, not actual risk or competence.
According to a 2023 report by The Sentencing Project, 75% of Americans support giving felons back their rights after they’ve served their time.
What Steps Can a Felon Take to Serve on a Jury?
If you’re a felon and want to participate in jury duty, here’s a roadmap:
📞 Contact your county court clerk for guidance
✅ Complete your sentence – including prison, probation, and parole
📝 Check your state’s eligibility laws
📄 Apply for civil rights restoration, if needed
📬 Respond to jury summons honestly, disclosing any felony if required
Final Thought
While federal law restricts felons from jury duty unless their rights are restored, many states do allow participation after sentence completion. In some places, it’s automatic; in others, it takes work.
The bottom line? Jury duty isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a right, and more states are recognizing that reformed citizens should have a say in justice too.
FAQs
Can felons vote but not serve on a jury?
Yes, in some states, voting rights are restored first, but jury service is still restricted.
Do misdemeanors affect jury duty eligibility?
No. Only felony convictions disqualify someone from jury duty in most cases.
Is civil rights restoration permanent?
Yes, unless new crimes are committed. Then the process might reset.
Can I lie on a jury duty form?
Never. Providing false information on a jury summons is a crime.
Can felon do jury duty in California?
Yes, felons can serve on a jury in California if they’ve completed their prison sentence and are no longer on parole.
