Being charged with a criminal offense can severely alter the trajectory of someone's life and their overall wellbeing. You may have a good job, a solid group of friends, a family or spouse that you love; all of which can be taken away from you in an instant depending on the type of charges you are faced with and the outcome of your case. Many individuals do not fully grasp the weighted difference between a misdemeanor conviction and a felony conviction. Having a felony conviction on your record can make it difficult to keep your job, obtain a new job, retain your driver's license or even rent a residence. The job market in San Diego and throughout the state makes it challenging to get hired, let alone without also having to disclose a criminal record in a background check. However, the state of California can offer options and hope by offering the ability to reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor.
How Reducing Your Conviction Can Help You
The ability to have a felony conviction reduced to a misdemeanor can be multi-layered when it comes to the effects either can have on your life. First and foremost, the ability to honestly state that you have never been convicted of a felony will increase your feeling of liberation, pride and your confidence in applying for jobs and the likelihood of being hired. A felony conviction may also hinder your ability to obtain or maintain licensure in a professional field. This is one of the commonly asked questions on a job application so you are likely to be faced with having to disclose such background information. Another entity that is likely to ask you about your past and to disclose any felony convictions is a bank where you are seeking loan approval. Many property management companies also question whether or not you have ever been convicted of a felony, and a misdemeanor reduction affords you the right to confidently say no.
Understanding Reduction Qualifications and Eligibility
After familiarizing yourself with the benefits of having a felony conviction reduced to a misdemeanor, you are most likely curious to know the qualifications and whether or not you are eligible. Specifically, California Penal Code 17(b) outlines the requirements that allow a felony to misdemeanor conviction reduction:
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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
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Probation must have been granted
It may be helpful to discuss the elements of your charges with an experienced San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney to better understand whether or not your conviction was a "wobbler" offense and whether or not you qualify for reduction.
Call a San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney to See If You Qualify for Reduction Today
If you were previously convicted of a felony that you no longer want to affect your life, Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Ashby Sorensen in San Diego. He has your best interest in mind, and will fight for your rights and freedom. Call (858) 999-6921 today for your free consultation.
Source : articlesbase.com
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