|
RESTORATION
OF CIVIL RIGHTS
FOR EX-FELONS IN FLORIDA
The restoration of civil rights for ex-felons is a hot issue in
Florida. The Florida Parole Commission is working with FDOC to process
thousands of cases, but there are long delays and a huge backlog.
The
American Civil Liberties Union of Florida offers clearly written
information on the subject, as well as links and contact information: "Applying for Restoration of Civil
Rights in Florida".
To see if your rights have already been restored, check this website: www.restoremyvote.com.
If your name is listed, you still need to register to vote. For more
information on registration procedures, click here.
You must be registered at least 29 days previous to an election before
you can vote.
If your name does not appear, learn more at the user-friendly website
of the Florida Parole Commission's Board
of Executive Clemency, which
offers the rules, explains the process, and offers answers to
Frequently Asked Questions. See also the Request
for Restoration of Civil Rights
(online form) or Restoration of Civil Rights
Application (paper form).
Know
the FACs: FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Chapter 33 of the FAC
spells out the rules that govern the operations of the Florida
Department of Corrections. They take the intention of the Legislature
as codified in Florida Statutes (in particular Title XLVII Criminal Procedure
& Corrections, of which Chapter 945
controls FDOC) and show how things will be done. On the local level,
FDOC's Procedure Manuals add further details for day-to-day operations.
(The PMs are not accessible online; some of them are labeled Restricted
for security reasons.)
If you have an incarcerated loved one, it's important to understand the
forces that control his or her environment.
You can also track updates to the FAC
and add your input through the Florida Department of State.
FLORIDA
BAR ASSOCIATION
"Find
a Lawyer"
The Florida Bar's website provides a simple way to get basic
information about attorneys registered in the state. Check to see if
your lawyer (or potential lawyer) has a positive professional record
through their "Find a Lawyer"
service.
THE
IRS DEFENDS INCOME TAXES
Inmates are quick to believe rumors they find financially beneficial,
but so much of the information floating around prisons concerning the
legitimacy of paying income taxes is simply wrong. The link below takes
you to a 64-page document that explains contention-by-contention the
rules that apply to each of us with taxable incomes.
"The
Truth about Frivolous Tax
Arguments"
If you need to contact your local Florida IRS office, click here
for addresses, telephone numbers, and services provided.
|
