Brighten Your Future By Reducing A Felony To A Misdemeanor

Someone may accept a Felony plea agreement. At that time, the agreement contains certain safeguards that ultimately were better than taking the case to jury trial (i.e. no jail time). For example, a few years have passed and someone now wants to erase the blemish of the conviction. This is especially true of Felony charges on your record. The The Law Office of Mark Deniz can help you. Call our office to get your felony reduced at 858-429-9982.

A felony conviction can have a major negative impact on your ability to vote, find housing, get a job and more. The job market is more competitive than ever. The key is to sanitize your record as best as possible. The Law Offices of Mark Deniz APLC can help you reduce a felony conviction to a misdemeanor if your situation is viable for reduction.

Mark Deniz is a former prosecutor. He can examine your case and determine whether your situation makes you eligible and suitable for a reduction.

Which Felony Offenses Qualify?

California Penal Code Section 17(b)(4) says a person convicted of a felony can have it reduced to a misdemeanor when the underlying offense is what is considered a “wobbler” crime – one that could have been charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. These include (but are not limited to):

• DUI with injury
• Domestic violence
• Hit-and-run
• Embezzlement
• Grand theft
• Burglary
• Criminal threats

“Straight felonies,” however, are not eligible. These are crimes that the state can charge as felonies only. You want to speak to our office to determine if your situation makes you eligible and suitable for a reduction.

People who are convicted of felonies can face difficulty in finding jobs or suitable housing.  These individuals may be unable to qualify for certain State professional licenses and those convicted of a felony will lose their right to own or possess a firearm and will lose the right to vote.  However, individuals convicted of certain felony offenses may be able to petition the court to reduce the conviction to a misdemeanor and then to expunge the conviction.  This can be critical for people who are trying to move on with their lives after being convicted of a felony.

California Penal Code Section 17(b) PC, a person who has been convicted of a felony can have the charge reduced to a misdemeanor when the underlying offense is what is considered a “wobbler” crime that could have been charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor.  Additionally, the defendant must have been granted probation.  There are many criminal offenses that are considered “wobblers” under the law, including DUI with Injury (VC 23153) Domestic Violence (PC 273.5) Hit and Run with Injury (VC 20001) Embezzlement (PC 503) grand theft (PC 487) Burglary (PC 459) criminal threats (PC 422), and many others.  “Straight felonies” which can only be prosecuted as felonies are not eligible for misdemeanor reduction.  You want to contact the Law Offices of Mark Deniz to see what remedy you might be eligible for at 858-751-4384.

How Do You Reduce A Felony?

Being eligible for a reduction is only part of the equation. Next, the judge needs to find “good cause and in the interest of justice to reduce the charge. In deciding whether to grant the defendant’s request to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor, the judge will consider a variety of factors. These can include the following:

• The underlying facts of the offense
• The defendant’s performance on probation
• The defendant’s criminal history
• Any circumstances that would support the misdemeanor reduction, such as a potential job offer or an upcoming background check

If the judge agrees to reduce the felony conviction to a misdemeanor, the person could then file an expungement motion under Penal Code 1203.4. The key is to get the ball rolling and reduce charges by calling the The Law Office of Mark Deniz.

If the judge agrees to reduce the felony conviction to a misdemeanor, the defendant could then file an expungement motion under Penal Code 1203.4.  While felony convictions can be expunged, it is critical that the conviction first be reduced to a misdemeanor before the expungement. This would allow defendant to have certain rights restored, including the right to own or possess firearms.  The key is to get the ball rolling and reduce charges by calling the Law Offices of Mark Deniz at 858-751-4384.  The Premier Law Group consists of former Prosecutors and passionate advocates who obtain proven results. 

Ask About Reducing Your Felony To A Misdemeanor

The Law Offices of Mark Deniz APLC, based in San Diego, provides free initial consultation. Schedule yours today to speak to our lawyer about how to reduce a felony. To contact us, send us an email or call our office at 858-429-9982.