Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding collateral consequences?

Collateral consequences refer to the additional penalties or disadvantages that individuals may face after a criminal conviction, aside from the direct legal penalties like imprisonment or fines. One key aspect of collateral consequences is that they can significantly affect a person's ability to reintegrate into society after serving their sentence.

The correct answer highlights that collateral consequences can indeed include restrictions on voting rights and firearm ownership. These impacts extend beyond the individual's primary punishment and can affect various aspects of life, including employment, housing, and civic participation. For example, many states impose laws that restrict voting for individuals with certain types of convictions, especially felonies. Similarly, firearm ownership can be compromised, making it difficult for individuals to regain their rights after completing their sentence.

In contrast, other choices are inaccurate for specific reasons. Collateral consequences do not only apply to felony convictions; they can affect individuals with misdemeanor convictions as well, depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the offense. Furthermore, collateral consequences are broader than just financial penalties and encompass a wide range of social and civil disabilities. They also are not typically communicated during the sentencing phase, as defendants may only learn about them later, sometimes during their reintegration process.