Exfelons

Exfelons are individuals who have been convicted of a felony and have completed their sentence and any period of supervision, such as probation or parole. The term is informal and may be replaced by phrases like former felon or person with a felony conviction. Felonies are generally more serious offenses than misdemeanors and can carry longer penalties and broader collateral consequences.

Rights and limitations for exfelons vary by jurisdiction. In the United States, felon disenfranchisement laws differ by state: some restore voting rights after sentence completion, others after probation or parole, some automatically and others only through clemency or petition, and a few permanently bar voting. Federal elections rely on state law for these determinations.

Beyond voting, exfelons may face restrictions on firearms, jury service, and various professional licenses. Employment and housing are commonly affected because many employers and landlords run background checks. Some jurisdictions have policies intended to reduce questions about criminal history on initial applications (ban-the-box laws), though practices vary widely.

Criminal records can be sealed, expunged, or pardoned in many places, which reduces but does not always erase the record for all purposes. The availability and effect of record-clearing depend on local law, and some agencies retain access to sealed records for certain legal or safety concerns.

Reentry programs emphasize education, job training, substance-use treatment, housing support, and counseling to ease reintegration and reduce recidivism. Policy debates center on balancing public safety with opportunities for rehabilitation and second chances, cost savings from lower recidivism, and the social impact of stigma.

Language matters: many advocates prefer person-first language and caution against labeling individuals as exfelons. Accurate, up-to-date information about rights and available remedies is essential for individuals navigating the consequences of a felony conviction.