Proposition 47 was approved on November 4th, 2014. In the new year, many individuals may have an unexpected encounter with the law. It can happen to anyone. When facing criminal charges in California, Proposition 47 may come to your aid in the form of minimized penalties, and it can even reduce some felony charges to misdemeanors.
The actual name for Proposition 47 is "Reduced Penalties for Some Crimes Initiative." This measure focuses on nonviolent offenses, especially ones involving property crimes and drug crimes. Property and drug offenses include a wide variety of different criminal charges. Proposition 47 may be able to solve many of your legal troubles, regardless of whether you are currently facing charges or have already been convicted and received a sentence.
What does Proposition 47 do exactly?
It reduces most classifications of "non-serious" and "nonviolent" crimes from felony charges to misdemeanor charges. The measure offers options to individuals in all stages of the legal process. Ask your defense attorney about how Proposition 47 may benefit your unique situation, or seek counsel from a criminal lawyer immediately if you have not already secured legal protection.
Proposition 47 enables the following:
- Issues a mandate for many felony nonviolent crimes to be reduced to misdemeanors
- Allows re-sentencing for crimes that may be reduced to misdemeanors by this initiative
- Mandates full criminal history reviews and risk assessments before re-sentencing
- Creates the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund for education and community
Many individuals can use Proposition 47 to secure a fairer sentence and protect their rights from excessive criminal punishment. In the long run, this measure will help many individuals to have more opportunities in their future and make positive changes after a criminal conviction. There are a number of crimes that the Reduced Penalties for Some Crimes Initiative specifically targets.
Prop. 47 mandates felonies to be reduced to misdemeanors for the following crimes*:
- Forgery
- Fraud
- Grand theft
- Shoplifting
- Receiving stolen property
*To be eligible, the value of stolen property or fraudulent checks/bonds/etc. cannot exceed $950.
Any prior convictions for violent crimes, including murder, rape, sex crimes, and weapons charges, may prevent an individual from securing a reduced charge or sentence. If you have been charged with a crime in Long Beach or elsewhere in Southern California, review your situation with a criminal defense lawyer immediately to determine your options with Proposition 47.
Reducing Penalties for Drug Crime Charges
Along with reducing charges and penalties of many property crimes, Prop. 47 also reduces charges for personal use of illegal drugs and narcotics. If you have been convicted of a drug crime or are facing a drug charge, this initiative may help you protect your future against the damaging effects of a serious criminal conviction and turn a troubling situation into a fresh start.
How You May Seek Justice with Proposition 47
Consult a skilled legal professional about your case. If you are looking for solutions on behalf of a friend or loved one that has been convicted of a crime and sentenced, legal action may be available with Proposition 47. However, every case is unique—no two situations are exactly the same, and your circumstances may offer a better solution than another person's. Seek legal counsel early and prepare a strong defense to pursue the most effective solution to your legal troubles.
Our firm has 40+ years of combined experience and over 1,000 case successes.
Find out how our Long Beach criminal attorneys may help you secure a better future.
Contact the Law Office of Peacock & Le Beau and schedule a free consultation!
