If you have been convicted of a felony, you probably know the effect your felony conviction has on your life. Having a criminal record can make living life VERY difficult. But in many instances you have the ability to have your attorney reduce a felony conviction to a misdemeanor in California.
There are numerous benefits to having a felony conviction reduced to a misdemeanor. Securing and maintaining employment in Northern California is extremely difficult as it is, and is only harder if a background check reveals a felony conviction.
A felony conviction doesn’t have to be a life sentence. There are ways that an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you have a felony conviction reduced to a misdemeanor. Now, you may be wondering is it worth it to have your felony conviction reduced to a misdemeanor.
Having a felony reduced to a misdemeanor on your criminal record has numerous benefits to you
Some of the most common benefits of reducing a felony to a misdemeanor include, but are not limited to:
-Being able to answer honestly on a job application that you have never been convicted of a felony
-Being able to secure affordable housing now that a background check doesn’t reveal a past felony conviction
-A bank will be more willing to give you a loan (or extend credit) now that you don’t have a felony on your criminal record
-Obtaining professional licenses to advance in your field or career, translating into a high salary
-Restoring your gun rights
-Reducing or eliminating the need to check in with a probation officer
-Restoration of your voting rights and student aid and housing assistance in some instances
Am I Eligible to Have My Felony Conviction Reduced?
Now that we’ve established the benefits of reducing a felony conviction to a misdemeanor, you’re probably wondering how you can go about doing this. You must be eligible for a reduction.
California Penal Code 17(b) lays out two requirements for reducing a felony conviction to a misdemeanor:
The crime you were convicted of must be a “wobbler” offense, meaning it could be charged as a felony or misdemeanor (and you were charged with a felony); and
Probation must have been granted and successfully completed
Under California law, a “wobbler” is an offense that can be charged and punished as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Only felonies that are classified as wobblers may be reduced to misdemeanors.
If you wish to find out more about reducing your felony conviction to a misdemeanor, speak with a skilled and knowledgeable attorney at Fiumara & Milligan Law, PC immediately at 707-571-8600 OR 415-492-4507. Our attorneys can help you with a felony reduction.
A felony conviction could haunt you for the rest of your life. But it doesn’t have to. Be sure that your rights are adequately protected if you are seeking a reduction of a felony to a misdemeanor. The best way to do this is to hire a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and find out what over 40 years of combined criminal law experience can do for YOU!
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Is It Worth The Expense To Reduce A Felony To A Misdemeanor In California?
