A criminal conviction can take more than your freedom. It can strip away essential rights that allow you to participate in society, and the loss of civil rights, such as voting, serving on a jury, or owning a firearm, can make it difficult to rebuild your life. The law provides a pathway to restore those rights once you have completed your sentence and demonstrated rehabilitation. A Winter Garden civil rights restoration lawyer could guide you through this process and help you reclaim your independence.
With decades of combined experience and a team that includes former state prosecutors, we understand the nuances of the state’s post-conviction system. We believe that one mistake should not define your entire future, and a criminal defense attorney from our firm could help you navigate the civil rights restoration process.
After a conviction, Florida law automatically suspends several fundamental rights. After your sentence ends you must formally request their restoration. Commonly restored rights include:
Each of these rights involves specific criteria and application procedures. A Winter Garden attorney from our firm could evaluate your criminal record, explain which fundamental rights you may qualify to have restored, and accurately prepare and submit all required documentation to the appropriate authorities.
The Florida Commission on Offender Review (FCOR) oversees the state’s civil rights restoration process. It is not an automatic procedure but a formal one that requires an official petition, documentation, and proof of rehabilitation. Before the commission can consider your case, you must complete every term of your incarceration, probation, or parole. You must pay all court-ordered financial obligations, such as fines, fees, or restitution, and maintain a clean record after your release.
Once we submit your application, the FCOR conducts a detailed review of your record and personal progress to determine whether you meet the criteria for restoring your rights.
The commission may hold a hearing where applicants can present evidence of community involvement, employment stability, and personal growth. If the commission recommends approval, it will send the case to the governor and cabinet for final review and decision. As this process requires accuracy and patience, working with an attorney in Winter Garden with knowledge in reinstating civic rights could greatly improve your chances of success.
Although you can file a petition on your own, the process is complicated. Errors in documentation or unresolved court matters can result in unnecessary setbacks. An experienced attorney in Winter Garden could help comprehensively prepare and effectively present your civil rights reinstatement case. Our legal team could:
We use our knowledge as former prosecutors to anticipate state procedures and advocate for your second chance. Our attorneys combine rigorous legal skill with personal compassion, ensuring every client feels supported throughout the process.
Restoring your civil rights is more than a legal formality. It is the key to reclaiming your dignity and place in society. A Winter Garden civil rights restoration lawyer could guide you through each stage, from verifying eligibility to advocating for approval.
Our team has spent decades helping clients move forward after convictions. We are here to help you obtain a second chance because we believe rehabilitation should lead to restoration. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward restoring your rights and rebuilding your life.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
