California's Proposition 47, Enacted on November 4, 2014

Proposition 47 is a California law that reclassifies certain low-level, nonviolent crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. If you were previously convicted of one of the following offenses and the value involved was $950 or less, you may qualify for reclassification and expungement under Prop 47:

• Shoplifting / Commercial Burglary during business hours (Penal Code § 459)
• Forgery of $950 or less (Penal Code §§ 470–476)
• Fraud or writing bad checks of $950 or less (Penal Code § 476a)
• Grand Theft of $950 or less (Penal Code § 487)
• Petty Theft / Repeat Shoplifting of $950 or less (Penal Code §§ 484, 484/666)
• Possession of Methamphetamine (Health & Safety Code § 11377)
• Possession of Controlled Substances (Health & Safety Code § 11350)
• Possession of Concentrated Cannabis (Health & Safety Code § 11357(a))
• Receiving Stolen Property of $950 or less (Penal Code § 496)

What Crimes Are Excluded Under Proposition 47?

Prop 47 does not apply to individuals with prior convictions for serious or violent offenses such as murder, rape, or child molestation. These disqualifying priors make you ineligible for relief under this proposition.

How Does Prop 47 Apply to Expungements?

Generally, felony convictions involving a state prison sentence are not eligible for expungement. However, if your felony is reduced to a misdemeanor under Prop 47, it may then be expunged under California Penal Code § 1203.4a. This statute permits expungement of misdemeanor convictions, even those not involving probation. Our attorneys will assess your case and, where applicable, argue for both reclassification and dismissal of your conviction.