Unless you are part of the 1%, you have likely been hit by the poor economy in one way or another. Now, more than ever, there are numerous benefits to having a felony conviction reduced down to a misdemeanor. Securing and maintaining gainful employment in Southern California is extremely difficult as it is, and is only harder if a background check reveals a felony conviction. But a felony conviction isn’t necessarily a life sentence. There are ways that a criminal defense attorney can have a felony conviction reduced to a misdemeanor.
Some of the most common benefits of reducing a felony to a misdemeanor include, but are not limited to,
1. being able to answer honestly on a job application that you have never been convicted of a felony
2. Securing affordable housing
3. Getting a much needed loan from the bank
4. Obtaining professional licenses to progress in one’s field
5. Restoring your gun rights
6. Reducing or eliminating the need to check in with a Probation Officer
California Penal Code 17(b) lays out two requirements for reducing a felony conviction to a misdemeanor:
1. The underlying offense/conviction must be a “wobbler” offense; and
2. Probation must have been granted.
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.
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. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have been in practice for over 30 years and can help you ensure the protection of your rights. Call us today at 888-749-0034 or visit us online at www.wklaw.com. We will be there for you when you call.
