Every criminal offense has a maximum penalty which defines whether it's a misdemeanor or a felony. In Michigan, a felony is a crime that's punishable past two years or more than. If yous've been bedevilled of an criminal offence that has a maximum punishment of two years or more yous're considered a felon. This article covers what rights are lost with a felony conviction. Examples of common felonies include:

  • assail with a weapon,
  • tertiary law-breaking drunk driving,
  • possession of cocaine, heroin, or
  • controlled substance without a prescription, and
  • many theft offenses including larceny in a building, dwelling house invasion, burglary, and larceny over $one,000.00.
  • All firearm and fraud offenses are felonies every bit well.

There are several rights that felons don't accept. Many of them like the correct to vote are misunderstood and therefore I'll analyze them below.

Michigan also has amongst the virtually progressive expungement laws in the nation. You may very well be eligible to take your criminal record expunged.

Interested in expungement? Unhappy with your current attorney? Request a free consultation now.

Right to Vote

A felon's correct to vote in state and federal elections vary among different states. In Michigan, a felon has an accented right to vote except when they've been incarcerated in jail or prison at the fourth dimension of the election.

There are no election booths in jail. Despite Michigan constabulary, many felons believe they've lost their correct to vote so they don't practice information technology. A felon'south vote counts every bit much as anyone's. If given a hazard, encourage felons to vote in our elections.

Right to Possess a Firearm or Carry a Concealed Weapon

A person convicted of a felony cannot lawfully possess a firearm pursuant to Michigan and Federal Law. Michigan police force also prohibits persons bedevilled of a felony from carrying a concealed weapon. Felons may, in certain circumstances, become their state firearm possession rights restored. This is another instance where expungement might aid you lot.

Right to Serve on a Jury

A person bedevilled of a felony cannot qualify as a juror in Michigan Judicial Courts or a Federal Thou Jury.

Felons Cannot Own a Michigan Liquor License

In Michigan to own an establishment that sells or serves liquor, beer and/or wine a person must be granted a liquor license from the Michigan Liquor Command Committee. They'll probably not grant a liquor license to a felon. You don't need a liquor license to exist a bartender or waitress. Only the owner or owners of the institution must be licensed.

Right to a sentence enhancement for confidence of a subsequent felony (habitual offender)

A person convicted of a felony can have their judgement enhanced or increased for a subsequent felony conviction pursuant to Michigan Habitual Felony Offender Laws. By and large, the more prior felony convictions, the more astringent the sentence.

Felons Are Precluded from Having a Michigan Gaming (Casino) License

Most jobs working in i of Michigan's three casinos require a gaming license from the Michigan Gaming Commission. A felony conviction will keep someone from obtaining this license. If already licensed, a felony conviction will crusade a licensee to lose the license, therefore, losing their job

Felons Cannot Join the Armed forces

In most cases, a felony conviction will forestall a person from joining the armed forces.

How to Get Rid of a Felony Conviction

Felony convictions can be removed or set aside in Michigan under certain circumstances.

Michigan has some of the virtually progressive expungement laws in the nation. More than felonies and misdemeanors than ever are eligible for expungement.

Interested in expungement? Unhappy with your current attorney? Request a free consultation now.