Reducing A Felony to a Misdemeanor in Los Angeles

Reducing A Felony to a Misdemeanor in Los Angeles Are you looking for help reducing a felony to a misdemeanor in Los Angeles, CA? The Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers at The Rodriguez Law Group have helped countless clients get their felonies reduced to misdemeanors, and we can help you, too. Many different felony charges are eligible for amendment to a misdemeanor under California law. Getting a felony reduced can have huge benefits for you. The specific advantages will vary for you depending on how early in the process you obtain the reduction in charges. If you need help fighting for a reduction of a felony charge to a misdemeanor, take action now to protect your future. Contact The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys for your free initial consultation to discuss how we can help you.

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How Can The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys Help Me Reduce a Felony to a Misdemeanor in Los Angeles?

Our attorneys know exactly how to help reduce your felony to a misdemeanor in Los Angeles, California. Our team can help reduce a felony to a misdemeanor at any point during your case, from shortly after the initial appearance or even after you have completed your sentence. It is critical that you hire experienced legal counsel to fight for a reduction early in the process. The Rodriguez Law Group has over two decades of experience in criminal defense. We know the steps to take to improve your chances of reduced charges. Some of the ways we have gotten felonies reduced to misdemeanors include:

• Convincing the prosecution to amend charges based on the nature of the conduct or weakness of the evidence
• Petitioning the court for the reduction of a wobbler offense after you have successfully completed a sentence
• Negotiating for a reduction in charges pre-trial based on successful completion of treatment programs or lack of prior record
• Obtaining a reduction as part of a plea deal

The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys can be your ally in your efforts to have your charges reduced. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney.

What is a Wobbler under California Law?

In California, crimes that could be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony are referred to as “wobblers.” Wobblers are charged at the discretion of the prosecutor. The prosecutor can amend a wobbler to a misdemeanor at any time prior to conviction. Judges are also authorized to reduce wobbler felonies to misdemeanors by imposing a non-prison sentence. If you were convicted of a felony but served a non-prison sentence, you can petition the court to amend the conviction to a misdemeanor.

What is the Process to Amend a Felony to a Misdemeanor?

The process for amending a felony to a misdemeanor varies depending on whether you have been convicted. If you have not been convicted, your attorney will work with the prosecutor to get the charges reduced. However, if you were already convicted, you will need to work with your defense lawyer to determine if you are eligible for amendment to a misdemeanor. Eligibility varies depending on the specific type of conviction and sentence imposed. If your lawyer determines that you are eligible, they will file a “Section 17(b) Motion” requesting a reduction. Getting a wobbler reduced to a misdemeanor is too important to your future to try to go it alone. Contact our team today so we can help you through this complicated process.

What are the Benefits of Amending a Wobbler to a Misdemeanor?

Felony convictions can have serious collateral consequences and much harsher jail sentences than misdemeanors. In addition to the risk of a much lengthier sentence, having a felony on your record impacts your civil rights, including your:

• Right to vote
• Right to own a firearm
• Obtaining professional licenses

There are many other negative impacts of a felony conviction. Often, the worst thing is the influence it has on someone’s career when applying for jobs. Petitioning the court to amend a felony wobbler on your record to a misdemeanor can help restore your rights. If we successfully convince the prosecutor to amend felony charges down to misdemeanor charges, your prison/jail exposure drops significantly! This can be a huge weight off your shoulders before a case is even resolved.

Can You Reduce a Felony to a Misdemeanor After Conviction?

Yes, many of our clients have successfully gotten a wobbler amended to a misdemeanor after conviction. Getting a felony reduced this late is less beneficial than having it reduced before conviction since it means you already completed a felony sentence. However, reducing a felony after conviction is still beneficial because it lightens your criminal record for potential employers and can restore your civil rights. If you are interested in pursuing a reduction of your felony conviction to a misdemeanor, get in touch with our team for help.

Contact Our Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyers for Help

If you need help reducing a felony to a misdemeanor in Los Angeles, look no further. The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys are standing by to help you. Contact us today so we can get started working for your future.