Life after prison presents significant challenges for anyone with a felony conviction. Even after serving their time, convicted felons often carry the weight of their criminal record into nearly every aspect of daily life. The impact doesn’t end with incarceration—it extends to long-term barriers that make rebuilding a stable, productive future difficult.
From securing safe housing to finding steady employment, the road to reintegration is often steep. Many landlords and employers conduct background checks, and a felony conviction can lead to automatic disqualification, regardless of a person’s qualifications or efforts to turn their life around.
If you are currently facing felony charges, it’s critical to understand what’s at stake—not only for your freedom, but for your future. Call King Law Offices at (888) 748-KING to schedule a consultation.
Loss of Civil Rights
A felony conviction can result in the loss of several key civil rights:
Firearm Ownership
Despite constitutional protections under the Second Amendment, convicted felons are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.
- They must surrender or dispose of any firearms they owned prior to the conviction.
- They are also prohibited from living in a residence that contains firearms, even if the weapons legally belong to someone else.
Both North Carolina and South Carolina offer procedures to request the restoration of firearm rights, but these processes are complex and approvals are not guaranteed.
Voting Rights
Felons lose their right to vote while incarcerated, on parole, or on probation. Once their full sentence—including parole or probation—is completed, they may re-register to vote.
Holding Public Office
Both states have laws restricting convicted felons from holding public office. While not absolute bans, the rules are complex and vary depending on the specific offense and circumstances.
Sex Offender Registration (When Applicable)
Felony convictions involving sexual offenses—such as possession of child pornography—require mandatory registration with the North Carolina or South Carolina Sex Offender Registry, as well as the federal registry. Registration carries severe personal and legal consequences, including:
- Publicly accessible personal information
- Strict residential and employment restrictions
- Community notification requirements
- Significant social stigma
Disqualification From Federal Assistance
Many federal programs deny access to individuals with felony convictions, particularly drug-related offenses. This may include:
- Food assistance programs (e.g., SNAP)
- Student loans and educational aid
- Federal housing assistance
These limitations make reintegration even more difficult, especially for those lacking immediate family or financial support.
Barriers to Employment
Securing gainful employment is one of the most critical—and challenging—steps after release. Most employers in the U.S. operate under “at-will” hiring laws, meaning they can refuse employment for almost any reason. Many companies automatically reject applicants with felony convictions, especially in industries requiring background checks. Job applications typically ask for disclosure of criminal history, and failure to answer honestly can result in disqualification or termination later.
Exclusion From Certain Professions
Felony convictions can disqualify individuals from working in:
- Public schools or educational institutions
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Law enforcement agencies
- Positions requiring professional licensing (e.g., law, medicine, finance)
Financial Limitations
A criminal record can make it difficult to obtain credit or loans, including:
- Home mortgages
- Auto loans
- Personal or business loans
Combined with employment challenges, these financial obstacles often make it harder for felons to achieve stability and independence.
Housing Barriers
Many landlords conduct background checks and refuse to rent to individuals with felony convictions. Even if housing applications do not ask about criminal history, a felony conviction is a public record that landlords can easily access. This often leads to housing instability and reliance on short-term or transitional living arrangements.
Immigration Issues
For non-U.S. citizens, a felony conviction can result in serious immigration consequences—including deportation, even for lawful permanent residents (green card holders). Some felonies are classified as “aggravated felonies” under immigration law and carry automatic removal penalties.
Travel Restrictions
Convicted felons may face:
- Difficulty obtaining a U.S. passport
- Travel bans from foreign countries (including Canada and many European nations)
International travel can become extremely limited following a felony conviction.
Social and Personal Consequences
Life after prison often comes with social isolation.
- Friendships may dissolve during incarceration.
- Spouses may seek divorce, and children may become estranged.
- Long sentences may mean returning to a world that has changed dramatically—and in some cases, loved ones may have passed away.
The emotional and psychological toll can be just as heavy as the legal consequences.
Expungement: A Path to a Fresh Start
Expungement is the legal process of removing a conviction from public records. While law enforcement and courts can still view an expunged record, it will not appear in most background checks, giving individuals a better chance at employment and housing.
- In many cases, expungement is limited to misdemeanor offenses.
- North Carolina, however, allows the expungement of certain non-violent felonies under specific conditions.
- If eligible, King Law Offices can assist in preparing and filing your expungement application to give you a fresh start.
Support and Reentry Programs for Felons
Fortunately, both states offer resources to help felons transition back into society:
North Carolina
The Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) Transition Services provides support for:
- Employment and job training
- Housing placement
- Transportation
- Counseling and mental health support
- Substance abuse treatment
- Peer support and community resources
South Carolina
Reentry programs offered by the South Carolina Department of Corrections focus on:
- Workforce development
- Addiction recovery
- Life skills and counseling
- Stable housing assistance
Nonprofit Organizations
Numerous nonprofit groups also offer critical support, mentorship, and resources to help formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer
Prosecutors in both North Carolina and South Carolina are known for their aggressive approach to felony cases. Once charges are filed, the legal process can move swiftly—often leaving little time to prepare a strong defense. That’s why it’s critical not to delay when facing serious criminal allegations. Contact King Law Offices at (888) 748-KING as soon as possible to schedule a case consultation and begin exploring your legal options.
We proudly serve Forsyth County, Mecklenburg County, Haywood County, and Watauga County in North Carolina as well as York County in South Carolina.
We proudly serve Winston-Salem, Cornelius/Charlotte, Waynesville, and Boone in North Carolina as well as Rock Hill in South Carolina.