Can a convicted felon vote in Utah?

Many people are aware of the voting law in Utah that prohibits a convicted felon from voting. But not all of those people are aware of the Utah law that provides for the restoration of a convicted felon's voting rights.

Under Utah Code 20A-2-101.5, a convicted felon's right to register to vote and to vote in an election is restored when the convicted felon either: is placed on probation; is placed on parole; or has successfully completed the term of incarceration to which the felon was sentenced.

The practical effect of Utah Code 20A-2-101.5 is that a convicted felon will only be restricted from voting while that person is either awaiting sentencing for a felony conviction or is incarcerated in the state prison.

Utah law also provides similar restrictions on the right to vote for persons convicted of misdemenaors in violation of Utah's election code. Criminal convictions under the election code are rare, so most individuals with misdemeanor convictions on their record are still eligible to vote. But for persons who have been convicted of a misdemeanor under Utah's election code, section 20A-2-101.3 restores voting rights once the person is placed on probation or completes the term of incarceration imposed by the court.

Other Consequences of a Felony Conviction

A felony conviction in Utah carries consequences in addition to the potential impact on voting rights. A felony conviction an affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, hunt or otherwise possess or use firearms, and much more.

For many people convicted of a felony, a 402 reduction or expungement may provide a way to remove a felony conviction from their records and restore the rights and privileges that were lost as a result of their convictions. As an experienced Utah criminal attorney Stephen Howard has helped clients clear their records of felony convictions in a wide variety of cases. Call us now to see how he can help you.

Finding a Criminal Lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah

With a practice based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard is a Utah criminal defense attorney with a record of successfully protecting his clients rights in thousands of serious criminal cases. His record includes not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and appellate reversals on some of the most serious charges on the books in Utah. He has also assisted numerous clients in clearing their records with 402 reductions and expungements.

Contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation.