Politics & Government

Lorton Library Holding Rights Restoration Clinic

Virginia's nonviolent felons who qualify can now have their civil rights restored.

Virginians convicted of nonviolent felonies can now have their civil rights restored, but it can be a process. On Tues. Aug. 13, the Advancement Project is hosting a rights restoration clinic at the Lorton Library. 

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced the automatic process for rights restoration in May, and the policy became effective July 15. 

"Through this system, those presently being released from incarceration or probation, who qualify, will have their civil rights automatically restored," said McDonnell in a July 15 press release. "For past offenders, our goal is to grant civil rights back to as many as possible through the end of this administration. This is the right thing to do for all Virginians to help make the Commonwealth a safer and better place."

More than 400 felons have been granted their rights since May 29, according to the Governor's office. 

 


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