Can a Felony Conviction Prevent You From Obtaining a Passport?

 Posted on February 06, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Being charged with any type of crime can have an impact on your life, but if you are convicted of a felony, the consequences can be far-reaching even after you have satisfied whatever penalty the court imposes. In addition to a prison sentence and/or probation, a felony conviction can affect your right to vote and even your right to travel. In some cases, you may not be able to obtain a passport if you have a felony conviction on your record. If you live in Illinois and have questions about how a felony could impact your future, contact our Illinois criminal defense attorney now.

What Crimes Disqualify You From Getting a Passport?

Felony criminal classification covers a wide array of crimes that often have a wide array of potential penalties upon conviction. Not all felony convictions will disqualify you from obtaining a passport. However, there are some that will make obtaining a passport very difficult, if not impossible. Both federal and state felony drug convictions that involve crossing international borders can disqualify you from getting a passport. Felony convictions of financial fraud or human trafficking will also disqualify you.

Other felony convictions that can result in disqualification include:

• Assault

• Animal cruelty

• Child pornography

• Cybercrime

• Kidnapping

• Sexual Assault

Other Issues That Can Prevent You from Getting a Passport

In addition to felony convictions, there are other issues that can prohibit a person from obtaining a passport. If they have any outstanding federal taxes or federal loans, there may be a hold on their passport availability.

Delinquent child and/or spousal support can also leave a person with their passport revoked or prevent them from applying for one.

Countries That Prohibit Visitors with Felony Conviction from Entering

Even if you are able to obtain a passport, there is a long list of countries that will not allow you to enter if you have a felony conviction on your record. These include:

• Argentina

• Australia

• Canada

• China

• Cuba

• India

• Iran

• Israel

• Japan

• Kenya

• Macao

• New Zealand

• South Africa

• Taiwan

• United Kingdom

• United States

Contact a Lake County, IL Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a felony crime, the best way to avoid a felony conviction is having an aggressive Cook County, IL criminal defense lawyer advocating for you and protecting your rights. Charges do not mean you will be convicted. Depending on the circumstances of your case, there are a number of avenues that may be available, including the prosecution dropping the charges, a not guilty verdict, or pleading to lesser charges. Call The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. at 847-239-4703 today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with Attorney Matthew R. Gebhardt. Call our office today.

Sources:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/legal-matters/law-enforcement.html

https://visaguide.world/tips/countries-you-cant-travel-to-with-a-criminal-record/