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How will a felony affect your political career?

On Behalf of | Mar 26, 2020 | Firm News

Most people who desire to hold political offices understand that felony charges are less than desirable. If you are facing felony charges, however, you may want to know how that will affect your chances of holding a political office going forward.

We understand how the law works in Pennsylvania and have helped many clients with criminal defense cases, including felony charges.

Felony convictions cost you the right to be an elected official

According to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, you become ineligible to hold an elected office when charged with a felony for  embezzlement, perjury, bribery or other “infamous crimes.” Additionally, civil officers or governors convicted of crimes while holding office face removal from their position and disqualified to hold any other offices of trust or profit in Pennsylvania.

Felony charges may have other consequences

In addition to losing the right to run for office, a felony charge may also impact your life in other ways aside from serving time in jail. A convicted felon will also lose the following rights and privileges.

  • The right to vote while incarcerated
  • The right to serve on a jury
  • The right to own a firearm
  • The eligibility to receive student loans
  • The eligibility to become a foster parent or adopt for 10 years
  • The eligibility for certain professional licensures for 10 years
  • The eligibility for other employment positions for 10 years

Repeat offenses may restrict rights and privileges even further. It is worth noting that Pennsylvania operated under a “Fair Chance” hiring policy. If you have not committed a violent crime, you have the change to explain your circumstances during the hiring process. More information about this topic is available on our web page.

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