Felon rights are generally the rights a person may lose upon conviction for a felony criminal offense—often voting rights and the ability to own or possess a firearm. These laws that limit the rights of felons—referred to by some as felon disenfranchisement—vary from state to state.

For example, some states (Maine, Vermont) allow felons to vote while they are incarcerated. In other states felons lose the right to vote while they are incarcerated, but the right to vote is automatically restored upon release from jail or prison. In some states felons lose the right to vote while they are incarcerated and for some period following their release from jail or prison—often while they are on parole or probation—and the right is automatically restored upon completion of parole or probation and the payment of any fines and fees. And in some states felons lose their voting rights indefinitely for some crimes; or require a pardon from the governor for voting rights to be restored; or face an additional waiting period after completion of their sentence and parole or probation; or require some additional action before voting rights are restored.

In New Jersey, individuals convicted of a felony are disenfranchised while they are serving their sentence, including any term of incarceration, parole, or probation. However, once their sentence is fully served, including the completion of parole and probation, their right to vote is automatically restored. Felons do not need to take any additional action to have their voting rights restored in New Jersey. Regarding firearm possession, New Jersey law prohibits individuals convicted of certain crimes, including felonies, from possessing firearms. The restoration of firearm rights typically requires a pardon from the governor or a court order, depending on the circumstances of the conviction and the nature of the offense.