Being convicted of a felony in Ohio brings with it a lot of consequences. For starters, the convicted felon will be sentenced to prison. Depending on the crime committed, the felon could be facing anywhere from one year to life in prison. The felon might also face thousands of dollars in fines and penalties.
Today, we will take a look at the freedoms lost by felons convicted in Ohio. Here are some key points:
- You will lose your right to serve on a jury when convicted of a felony in Ohio. There is a chance this right can be reinstated after your sentence is complete but it is not guaranteed.
- The law in Ohio also revokes a convicted felon’s right to vote while they are in prison. A convicted felon is allowed to vote while serving probation or parole. They are also allowed to vote once their prison sentence has ended.
- Convicted felons might also wind up being ineligible for federal benefits. This includes food stamps, assisted housing, temporary cash help for needy families and even student loans.
- Those convicted of a felony offense involving violence or drugs are not permitted to own, carry, be in the possession of or use a firearm under Ohio law. Gun rights can only sometimes be restored after a sentence is served.
Were you recently charged with a felony in Ohio? Make sure you know your rights and what you stand to lose if you are convicted. Aside from spending an extended amount of time in prison you can also lose the freedoms and rights discussed in this post. Keep in mind that a plea deal is treated just like a conviction, so take the time to carefully consider all your options.
