Getting out

# Rights and status

Firearms, voting, professional licenses, and a passport. What the conviction actually changes, and what varies by state.

Absolute

## Firearms

Federal law prohibits possession following a felony conviction. This includes firearms in a home you live in.

Take this seriously. It is among the fastest routes back.

Depends on your state

## Voting

Restoration depends on state law and varies substantially. Several states restore automatically upon release from incarceration. Find out what yours does rather than assuming you cannot.

Start early

## Professional licenses

Rules vary by profession and state. Some boards have a formal process for people with convictions. Start early, because the timelines are long.

Two separate questions

## Passport and international travel

A passport is generally obtainable, but travel outside the country during supervised release (post-prison supervision; not parole) requires permission and is frequently refused. Certain convictions carry additional passport restrictions.

Keep reading — part 12 of 12

### [The first thirty days](/going-in/getting-out/the-first-thirty-days)

In rough order. None of it is complicated, all of it takes longer than it should, and the sequencing is what decides how the month goes.

**Need help with this? Just ask.**

These pages cover the general rules. Your situation has details they don't. Email me a question. **Answers are free** , and "you don't need to pay anyone for this" is my most common answer.

[josh@federalprisondude.com](mailto:josh@federalprisondude.com?subject=Getting%20out%20question)

I answer in the order received, usually within a couple of days. I have a day job. If your situation genuinely needs more than an email, I take a limited number of consults, so say so and we'll work it out.