Final answer:
It is illegal for those convicted of a felony to possess a firearm in the United States, as confirmed by federal law and various state statutes. The issue of felon disenfranchisement varies across states, affecting not only firearm possession but also voting rights, with some states restoring these rights after sentences are served.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to United States federal law, it is indeed illegal for a person convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm. This restriction is part of a broader set of consequences for those who have been convicted of felonies, which may include the loss of voting rights, the inability to hold public office, restrictions on obtaining professional licenses, and impacts on inheritance rights. The case of District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) underscored the importance of the Second Amendment and the right to keep firearms at home for self-defense, but this right is still not extended to those with felony convictions.
Differing state laws can affect the extent of the disfranchisement of felons. For example, some states, like Mississippi, permanently ban felons from voting, while others have taken steps to restore voting rights to those with felony convictions after they have served their sentences, as was the case recently in Virginia. The debate around these issues often involves weighing the concept of 'paying one's debt to society' against the principles of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.