When someone commits a hard crime, such as a violent crime, drug crime, sex crime, etc. and they have been convicted, they are now labeled as a felon.
So, what happens to felons after serving their punishment, be it to prison or simply paying fines?
Felons usually face several challenges because of the laws that limit them in society.
When a person is convicted of a felony, many rights and opportunities may be limited or completely removed as a possibility for them, and it can be extremely unfortunate.
Depending on what state you live in, or even sometimes the county, laws vary, which affect felons in different ways.
For starters, finding a job.
There was a guy who was a truck driver for 10 years, and he had been charged with property damage.
Because of this charge, he lost his well-paid trucking job, which resulted in him not being able to find another trucking job and getting behind on his bills.
Many companies do not want to hire those who have felony records.
Although some states make it illegal for employees to discriminate, it is safe to say that many employers are hesitant to hire individuals who have records as they are considering how it may affect the workplace.
This makes it hard for felons to find employment, because as we know, without employment, you cannot function in society.
Another way that laws affect felons is because of their voting rights.
Depending on what the felony charge is, felons can lose their voting rights, which many do not realize the importance of.
While in some states felons may never get the right to vote again, other states allow felons to vote, even while they are serving their sentence.
Voting determines who will hold certain state and federal roles for our country.
These individuals become the decision-makers that we sometimes so often complain about.
If a felon cannot be a part of the change we ask for every day, how can we expect anything to change to benefit them?
We also must discuss limited educational opportunities.
Many felons are released from prison unemployed.
With this, they may be interested in picking up a trade to better themselves.
If a felon wants to take the opportunity to go to school, but has a record, they may not qualify for financial assistance, which makes it harder for them to pay for school.
This limits their ability to complete whatever program they are interested in investing in.
Along with these challenges, felons face several other challenges, including issues with housing, gun ownership, etc.
The reason why laws limit felons is because it’s supposed to protect the public.
For example, removing gun laws from felons is supposed to make citizens feel safer.
Although this may be true, it can also be a hindrance.
These laws also make it harder for them to function in society and better themselves.
Some people feel as though laws should be fairer and should offer felons a better chance to succeed.
The big question is why should those are aren’t felons care?
We should care because the only way there can be a change in the world is if everyone gets the same opportunity to live honest and productive lives.
If a felon can get out and go to school, get a job and a home, they become productive citizens of society, which would ultimately make our communities safer and stronger.
When felons cannot find access to these resources, it will increase poverty, homelessness, and even the chances of repeat offenses.
Once we have a better understanding of how laws impact felons, we can help them gain a second chance of success.