Can Ex-Felons Vote in Georgia?

If you have been convicted of a felony crime in Georgia, our Gwinnett County criminal defense lawyers can help you regain your right to vote. 

Felony offenses are the most serious types of crimes in Georgia. A conviction carries severe penalties, including heavy fines and a potentially lengthy prison sentence. Even after your release, your charges can haunt you for years to come. Among the consequences include the loss of voting privileges.

At Zimmerman & Associates, we provide the trusted legal representation clients need in these cases. As experienced Gwinnett County criminal defense attorneys, we protect your rights and help in rebuilding your life, which includes regaining your voting privileges. 

Felony Disenfranchisement: Loss of Voting Privileges for Convicted Felons

A felony conviction has major impacts on your life. In addition to the loss of your freedom and the inability to obtain jobs, housing, or loans due to your record, it could also prevent you from voting in local, state, and national elections.

When a convicted felon loses their right to vote, it is called felony disenfranchisement. According to the Georgia Senate, felony disenfranchisement impacts hundreds of thousands of people throughout the state:

• Close to 300,000 Georgia residents are currently unable to vote due to their criminal records.
• More than 50,000 of these are currently incarcerated.
• Over 250,000 are under correctional supervision while still living in the community (such as in cases of house arrest).
• The remainder are unable to vote due to being on probation for prior felony convictions.

We Help Convicted Felons Regain Their Voting Privileges

Under the Georgia Criminal Code, anyone convicted of a crime involving “moral turpitude” loses the right to vote. This generally means harmful behavior that falls out of accepted social standards. Since it is a broad category, loss of voting privileges extends to all convicted felons, regardless of the crime they commit.

Particularly in today’s world, the right to vote and have your voice heard is something most people cherish. How do you regain this right as a convicted felon?

• Avoid a felony conviction to begin with: If you are facing any type of criminal charges in Gwinnett County, reach out to our Norcross criminal defense attorney right away. We can take the actions needed to help prevent a conviction.
• Appeal a prior felony conviction: If you have recently been convicted of a felony crime, you may have the right to file an appeal. This could potentially result in an overturn of the conviction and restoration of your voting rights and other privileges.
• Complete your sentence: Voting rights for felons are automatically restored once they complete their sentence (including incarceration, probation, parole, any period on non-report status, and paying all court costs and fines. Even though your voting rights are automatically restored, you must re-register to vote. Additionally, if you are serving a felony First Offender or Conditional Discharge sentence and the status has not been revoked, you can vote while serving that sentence.

Discuss Your Case With Our Gwinnett County Criminal Defense Lawyers

To protect your rights and freedoms when facing criminal charges in Georgia, reach out to Zimmerman & Associates. Even if you are dealing with a prior conviction, our Gwinnett County criminal defense lawyers may be able to help. Call (770) 350-0100 or contact our office online to request a consultation today.