Expungements & Proposition 47

La Mesa Expungement Lawyer

Having a criminal record can greatly reduce your opportunities in life. Individuals who have a conviction on their record usually find it difficult to get a job, qualify for financial assistance, and file for naturalization. If you have a criminal record, then you may qualify for an expungement, which will effectively remove your record from public record.

As a La Mesa expungement attorney, I can talk to you about your case and whether you may qualify to have your record sealed or expunged. This is a crucial matter, and I am prepared to listen to your concerns and provide honest insight that will help you make an informed decision that is in your best interests.

To discuss expungement, give me a call at (619) 304-8499. I offer a free initial phone consultation to help you get started.

Benefits of Expungement

Individuals who have been granted expungement are given certain protections:

• The case information, indictment, complaint, or citation is dismissed.
• Since the charge is dismissed, the guilty verdict is reversed.
• The conviction cannot be used against the individual in the event of subsequent convictions.
• Justice enforcement agencies are the only parties able to disclose the information.

Prop 47: The Safe Neighborhoods & Schools Act

When Proposition 47 was implemented, it gave hope to countless individuals who had been charged with felonies. It allowed these individuals to reclassify their conviction as misdemeanors, thus making the convictions less severe with (usually) lower penalties. Proposition 47 has been extended by legislature until at least the year 2022.

Proposition 47 implemented 3 changes, which are as follows:

• Reclassification of theft and drug possession offenses: Drug and theft offenses that were deemed felonies were reclassified as misdemeanors and new misdemeanors were created. Offenses that were altered include shoplifting, forgery, and petty theft.
• Re-sentencing: Under Prop 47, an individual who is serving a sentence for a felony conviction that is now classified as a misdemeanor can petition for re-sentencing, with some exceptions.
• Reclassifying convictions: An individual who has completed his or her sentence for a conviction that was classified as a felony but has since been changed to a misdemeanor can apply for a reduction of the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor, with exceptions.

To find out if your conviction can be reclassified as a misdemeanor under Proposition 47, give The Law Offices of Andrea Schneider a call at (619) 304-8499.