However, after you have served your time, you can re-register and gain your voting rights back. Voting: While you are incarcerated or on parole for a felony (or misdemeanor), you cannot vote. The Fair Housing Act does not have a clause protecting felons from discrimination, which can make it hard to find a place to live.įirearms: You cannot possess, own, or use a firearm if you have been convicted of a felony in Illinois or any other jurisdiction. Housing: Certain apartment complexes or landlords will not allow convicted felons to lease or rent apartments. Selling drugs disqualifies you from receiving federal assistance for two years after your offense.Įven though paying for and attending higher education may take extra time, you should not be discouraged from pursuing an education if you have a felony conviction. If, for example, you have been convicted on charges of drug possession, you can qualify for federal assistance one year after your offense. These new laws, however, pave the way for convicted felons to have a better chance at obtaining a job.įederal Assistance (TANF): If you have been convicted of a felony for a drug offense, you cannot qualify for welfare (or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).įederal Assistance (Student Loans): While felony convictions do affect whether or not you qualify for student loans, over time this status will change.
In 2014, Quinn signed legislation that prohibits jobs from conducting criminal background checks until a potential employee is considered qualified for the job.Ī background check will still be performed, as it is in a majority of jobs. In 2013, Governor Pat Quinn signed “ban the box” legislation, which prohibits employers from asking about criminal history on job applications. Jobs: Illinois is currently trying to make it easier for convicted felons to find private sector jobs. Every state treats felons differently, but Illinois has the following restrictions on convicted felons:
A felony conviction in Illinois can negatively impact the rest of your life in a number of ways. Classified as Class X, 1, 2, 3, or 4 offenses, felonies here are punishable by state prison sentences that can last decades, fines up to $25,000, and restitution that has to be paid to victims.Īnd the penalties don’t stop after you have served your time and are allowed back into the real world.