What Rights Do Felons Lose in Pennsylvania?

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, over 38,000 individuals are incarcerated in state prisons as of 2025, with thousands more living in the community under parole or probation supervision.

Each of these individuals — and anyone convicted of a felony in the past — faces a complex web of rights restrictions that often continue long after release.

What Is a Felony in Pennsylvania?

To understand what rights are affected, we first need to understand what counts as a felony.

In Pennsylvania:

• Felonies are the most serious type of criminal offenses.
• They include crimes like murder, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, robbery, and certain types of fraud and sexual assault.
• Felonies are classified as First, Second, or Third Degree, with First-Degree Felonies being the most severe.

Now let’s move on to the civil rights affected by such convictions.

Civil Rights Felons Lose in Pennsylvania

While not all civil rights are automatically revoked upon a felony conviction, several important rights are limited, especially while someone is incarcerated or under supervision. These include:

• Voting (in certain conditions)
• Firearm ownership
• Serving on a jury
• Holding public office
• Employment in licensed professions
• Government assistance programs
• Custody and parental rights (in some cases)

Some restrictions are temporary (e.g., during incarceration), while others are permanent unless restored through legal processes.

Can Felons Vote in Pennsylvania?

Surprisingly — Yes, but with limitations.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, felons can vote once they are released from prison, even if they are on probation or parole.

Here’s how it breaks down:

✅ Felons Can Vote If:

• They are no longer incarcerated
• They are on probation or parole
• They are awaiting trial or in county jail for a misdemeanor

❌ Felons Cannot Vote If:

• They are currently incarcerated for a felony conviction

Once released, all voting rights are automatically restored. The person must re-register to vote.

Unlike some states, Pennsylvania does not impose a lifetime voting ban for any felony.

Firearms Rights for Felons

Now here’s where Pennsylvania law gets a lot tougher.

According to Title 18, §6105 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, anyone convicted of a felony offense, especially violent felonies, is prohibited from possessing, using, or owning a firearm.

Offenses That Trigger Firearm Prohibition:

• Murder or manslaughter
• Aggravated assault
• Robbery or burglary
• Drug trafficking
• Domestic violence
• Any felony under the Controlled Substances Act

This firearm ban is permanent under both state and federal law, unless rights are restored — which is extremely rare and requires a pardon or expungement.

Federal Law Reinforcement: Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), any individual with a felony conviction cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

Penalties for violating this can include up to 10 years in federal prison.

More Opportunities: Can a Convicted Felon Be President?

Employment and Occupational Licenses

While federal law prohibits job discrimination based solely on a felony record, Pennsylvania employers can consider criminal history during the hiring process, especially for sensitive jobs like:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Banking
• Government roles
• Childcare

Licensing Barriers

Many state-issued licenses — for barbers, nurses, security guards, real estate agents, and more — can be denied based on criminal convictions.

The Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA) allows licensing boards to weigh the severity and nature of the conviction, but many felons face denials without clear explanation.

However, in 2020, the Pennsylvania Clean Slate Law was expanded, making it possible to seal some records after 10 years for non-violent offenses, improving employment opportunities.

Jury Duty Disqualification

Under Title 42, §4502 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, a person cannot serve on a jury if:

• They have been convicted of a felony
• They have not received a Governor’s pardon

So yes, a felony conviction permanently disqualifies someone from serving on a jury in Pennsylvania — unless they’re officially pardoned.

Government Assistance and Housing

Public Assistance Programs

Felony drug convictions may limit access to food stamps (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) — but Pennsylvania does not fully ban felons from receiving benefits.

However, benefits may be denied or reduced if the individual:

• Is on the run (i.e., fugitive status)
• Violates parole or probation
• Was convicted of welfare fraud

Public Housing

Public housing authorities can deny or evict applicants based on:

• Drug offenses
• Violent crimes
• Sex offenses

Local housing policies may vary, but felons often face significant challenges getting approved for HUD housing.

Travel and Immigration Issues

Felony convictions can make international travel difficult:

• Canada, for instance, bars entry to most felons unless special permission is granted.
• Many countries in the EU, Asia, and South America require criminal background checks.

For immigrants in the U.S., a felony can:

• Trigger deportation proceedings
• Prevent naturalization
• Lead to inadmissibility for future entry

Even green card holders (Lawful Permanent Residents) risk deportation after a felony.

Restoration of Rights in Pennsylvania

Some rights can be restored, but it’s not automatic. The two most common routes are:

1. Pardons

• Issued by the Governor of Pennsylvania, after a recommendation from the Board of Pardons
• Time-consuming (can take years)
• Requires evidence of rehabilitation, community service, and clean record since conviction

Pennsylvania has recently made pardon applications free and is pushing for faster reviews for non-violent offenses

2. Expungement

• Only available in limited circumstances
• Typically used for summary offenses, ARD program completions, or older non-conviction records
• Felony expungements are rarely granted unless the individual is over 70 and hasn’t been arrested for 10 years

Final Thoughts

In Pennsylvania, a felony conviction can limit several key rights — like owning firearms, serving on a jury, or holding certain jobs — but it doesn’t mean all doors are closed. Voting rights are restored after release, and options like pardons or record sealing offer paths to rebuild. While challenges exist, especially around employment and gun rights, with the right steps and support, felons can move forward and reclaim much of their future.

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