Los Angeles Prop 47 Attorneys

Reducing Charges & Sentences Under Proposition 47

On November 4, 2014, California voters passed California Proposition 47, also known as the Reduced Penalties for Some Crimes Initiative or The Safe Neighborhoods & Schools Act. Prop 47 is considered a significant step for criminal justice reform, as it rolls back outdated sentencing guidelines and safely reduces prison population and spending.

Under Prop 47, certain non-violent and non-serious property and drug crimes were reduced from felonies to misdemeanors. These crimes include:

• Personal use of most illegal drugs
• Shoplifting of property valued at less than $950
• Grand theft of property valued at less than $950
• Receiving stolen property valued at less than $950
• Forgery of check, draft, or order less than $950
• Fraud of check, draft, or order less than $950
• Writing a bad check valued at less than $950

In cases where defendants have prior convictions for serious or violent crimes, the above-mentioned crimes will remain felonies. In addition to becoming the law in future criminal cases, Prop 47 will also be applied retroactively. This means that certain individuals who have been convicted and/or sentenced for a qualifying crime under Prop 47 may be eligible for reduced charges and/or reduced sentencing.

Are You Eligible?

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers are prepared to help individuals eligible for resentencing and/or reduced charges under Prop 47. Our attorneys are prepared to represent clients who were convicted or sentenced at any time in the past for felony crimes that are now misdemeanors under Prop 47, as well as individuals who face these charges today.

We can help if you or your loved one has been convicted of a qualifying offense and:

• Are no longer in custody or under court supervision (probation, parole, mandatory supervision).
• Are currently in custody or under court supervision.
• Are currently participating in drug diversion (PC 1000).

Not everyone may be eligible to have a felony conviction designated or resentenced as a misdemeanor, which is why our legal team is available to help you determine your eligibility. If eligible, we can petition the courts to substantially reduce the seriousness of present and prior convictions or secure an immediate release for those serving time. Our firm is available to help clients throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and the surrounding communities of Southern California.