If you don’t want to apply for a pardon, or if you get denied a pardon, you have some alternatives. These alternatives will minimize the impact that you feel from your conviction. A few options include clemency, deletion of erased records, commutation of sentence, and expungement. Another option is a restoration of rights. Some states will grant restoration of rights to certain people previously convicted of felonies. If you are considering applying for a restoration of rights, this page will provide the information that you need to know, so read on!

What is Restoration of Rights?

Certain convicted felons can lose some of their rights. Common rights you could lose due to a felony conviction include:

• The right to bare arms.
• The right to be a notary public.
• The right to run for office.
• The right to vote.

The right to vote is the one that is most often granted in a restoration of rights in the state of Connecticut.

Eligibility for Restoration of Rights

For those interested in having their voting rights restored in Connecticut, they must fulfill certain requirements. These requirements include:

• Release from a correctional facility.
• Release from parole.
• Serving probation as an alternative to a prison sentence.
• Fines imposed at time of conviction got paid off in full.
• Properly filling out the restoration of rights application and paying the fee.

Applying for Restoration of Rights

If you are eligible for restoration of rights, and you would like to get a restoration of your rights, you should go to the Registrar of Voters in your town or city. If convicted of a crime in a different town or city, that place will get notified of your desire to have your rights restored. The decision to accept or deny your application will happen there. Here, you have to submit proof that you are eligible for a restoration of voting rights. This proof can include:

• A letter of release from prison.
• A letter of release from parole.
• Receipt of paid fines.
• Proof of probation as opposed to serving time in a correctional facility.

Remember that if you are currently serving a prison sentence or you are currently on parole, you will not be eligible for restoration of voting rights. However, once your sentence is served, you will be eligible for restoration of your rights. Make sure that you wait until you are eligible for this restoration before applying. This will save you time and money.

Help With Your Fresh Start

If you would like to have your voting rights restored in the State of Connecticut, but you are not sure if you are eligible, you can contact my office. I can help you through this process. I can make sure that you are eligible and helping you obtain the necessary documents to prove your eligibility. This process can be frustrating and overwhelming. Make sure that you don’t go through it alone! Please contact my office today to discuss your situation, have your questions answered, and make sure that this process works for you.