There are certain consequences that follow a criminal conviction that do not stem directly from statute. These collateral consequences can be steep, and in many cases, they can last much longer than the penalties written into state law. Because they occur outside of law, these consequences cannot be bargained away during plea negotiations with a prosecutor.
For felonies, the collateral consequences can include direct limits on constitutional rights. For instance, anyone convicted of a felony could lose their right to vote or own firearms.