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!
…”The Right Attorney Makes All the Difference”…
For more information, please CLICK HERE to view our video playlist relating to Criminal Defense law.