Voting Rights Restoration in Arizona
When anyone is convicted of a felony offense in the state of Arizona, pursuant to A.R.S. 13-904, the following civil rights are suspended:
- Voting rights.
- Rights to hold a public office of trust or profit.
- The right to serve on a jury.
- During any period of imprisonment any other civil rights the suspension of which is reasonably necessary for the security of the institution in which the person sentenced is confined or for the reasonable protection of the public.
- The right to possess a firearm.
When it comes to the right to vote, felony offenders may be eligible to have this right restored. This voting rights restoration depends upon an offender’s criminal record.
First-Time Felony Offender
According to A.R.S. 13-907, the right to vote will be automatically restored as soon as the offender’s sentence has been fully completed.
Important to note is that, although the right to vote is automatically restored, the offender will still be required to register themselves to vote.
Service Arizona provides online voter registration.
Offenders of Multiple Felonies
Offenders who have been convicted of more than one felony offense will need to petition the court to restore their civil rights. This includes the right to vote.
For those who were sentenced to probation, they may petition the court as soon as they have completed probation. See A.R.S. 13-905.
For those who were sentenced to prison, they may petition the court two years after their prison sentence is completed, including parole and any community service time. See A.R.S. 13-906.
Those sentenced to life in prison are not eligible for a restoration of civil rights under Arizona law.
Juvenile Felony Offenders
Juvenile offenders adjudicated in a juvenile court will not lose their right to vote, even if their offense would have been a felony in an adult court.
However, juveniles who are charged and tried in an adult court of law will lose their right to vote if they are convicted of a felony.
Felony offenders may visit our article to learn more about restoring their civil rights.
If you have been convicted of a felony offense and have completed the terms of your sentence, reach out to Rideout Law Group today to see how you can restore your civil rights.
RIDEOUT LAW GROUP
With offices in Lake Havasu City and Scottsdale, our firm serves the entire state of Arizona, with a particular focus on criminal defense, family law, and juvenile cases.
Our goal is for the best outcome for your criminal case, which can include:
- charges that are reduced or dropped.
- top experts reviewing your case.
- aggressive negotiations with the prosecution for plea bargains.
- fines or probation in lieu of jail time.
At Rideout Law Group, our attorneys are able to expertly examine the evidence in your case to provide a strong strategy for argument that leads to an outcome that is most favorable to you. We have experience in all types of criminal cases for both adults and juveniles, with positive outcomes both in plea negotiations as well as jury trial settings.
Call us today for a free consultation at 480-584-3328.