A felony conviction does more than add a line to your criminal record. It can affect your future in ways you may not expect. Understanding what the consequences can be beyond the courtroom can help you plan your next steps.
Obstacles when trying to find career opportunities
In Texas, a felony conviction disqualifies you from working in law enforcement or as a jailer. For other licensed professions, a conviction can prevent you from working in the following fields:
- Healthcare positions that require state licensure
- Teaching and educational roles
- Banking and financial services
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that unemployment among individuals with criminal records hovers around 30%. By comparison, overall unemployment peaked at 14.8% during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and fell to 4.2% by August 2024.
Limits in housing options and voting rights
Many landlords conduct background checks and may deny rental applications due to criminal history. Public housing programs often maintain strict policies regarding felonies. You might not qualify for subsidized housing options, which can make finding affordable housing very challenging.
Another important restriction you can face is the loss of voting rights. In Texas, you cannot vote until you have completed your full sentence, including any parole or probation.
In Texas alone, over 479,000 people cannot vote due to felony convictions, according to a report released by The Sentencing Project in 2024. This makes Texas the second largest state for people who have lost their voting rights.
Impact on firearm ownership and ability to hold office
A felony conviction also severely impacts your Second Amendment rights and ability to serve the public. Under federal law, you can face a lifetime ban on firearm ownership.
Although Texas state law permits you to possess a firearm in your home five years after your sentence ends, this can still result in federal charges. You also lose the right to hold public office, a privilege that can generally only be restored through a full pardon or formal release from legal disabilities.
Legal pathways to help you move forward
When you are facing a felony charge, defense counsel works to challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors and advocate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing when possible.
You may qualify for expunction if a court dismissed your charges, a jury acquitted you, or the governor granted you a pardon. If you completed deferred adjudication for certain offenses, you may be eligible for a non-disclosure order, which seals your record from most public access.
However, current Texas law does not allow courts to expunge or seal felony convictions. This reality is why the outcome of your case matters so much for your long-term future.