California Proposition 47 Reclassification
Understanding Proposition 47
The Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act
Passed by California voters in 2014, Proposition 47 reclassified certain felony offenses as misdemeanors, allowing thousands of Californians to reduce their criminal records and restore important rights.
Key Benefits of Prop 47 Reclassification:
- Felony reduced to misdemeanor on your record
- Restore voting rights immediately
- Regain firearm rights (for eligible offenses)
- Eliminate barriers to employment and housing
- Qualify for professional licenses
Prop 47 Eligible Offenses
Important: Value must be $950 or less
Theft-Related Offenses:
- Shoplifting (PC § 459.5)
- Grand theft (PC § 487)
- Receiving stolen property (PC § 496)
- Commercial burglary (PC § 459)
Other Eligible Offenses:
- Forgery (PC § 470, 473, 475, 476)
- Writing bad checks (PC § 476a)
- Petty theft with priors (PC § 666)
- Drug possession (HS § 11350, 11357, 11377)
NOT Eligible Under Prop 47:
- • Offenses involving amounts over $950
- • Persons with prior convictions for serious/violent felonies
- • Sex offenses requiring registration
- • Identity theft or fraud against elderly/disabled
- • Firearm theft or possession offenses
The Prop 47 Petition Process
Eligibility Review
We obtain your criminal records and verify which convictions qualify for Prop 47 reclassification based on offense type and value.
Petition Preparation
File Petition for Resentencing (if in custody) or Application for Reclassification with supporting evidence of eligibility.
Court Filing
Submit petition to the Superior Court where you were convicted, serve the District Attorney, and await court decision.
Record Update
Once granted, ensure DOJ updates your record to reflect misdemeanor status and verify changes on background checks.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Why It Matters
With a Felony Record:
- Cannot vote while on probation/parole
- Lifetime firearm prohibition
- Automatic job application rejection
- Housing discrimination
- Professional license denial
- Immigration consequences
After Prop 47 Reduction:
- Full voting rights restored
- May regain firearm rights
- Better employment prospects
- Qualify for more housing
- Professional license eligibility
- Reduced immigration impact
Special Considerations
$950 Value Calculation
The $950 threshold is based on the fair market value at the time of the offense, not the original retail price.
We help gather evidence to prove the actual value was under $950, including receipts, appraisals, or market data.
For Those Still in Custody
If you're currently incarcerated for a Prop 47 eligible offense, you can petition for resentencing.
Successful petitions can result in immediate release if you've already served the misdemeanor sentence length.
Multiple Convictions
You can petition for multiple eligible convictions in a single application, streamlining the process.
We review your entire record to identify all convictions that qualify for Prop 47 relief.
Out-of-County Cases
We handle Prop 47 petitions in all 58 California counties, regardless of where you currently live.
No need to travel - we can file and handle your case remotely in most situations.
Prop 47 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Prop 47 if I have serious or violent felony priors?
Unfortunately, no. If you have prior convictions for serious felonies (PC 1192.7(c)) or violent felonies (PC 667.5(c)), or if you're required to register as a sex offender, you're not eligible for Prop 47 relief.
What if the stolen property was worth slightly over $950?
The $950 limit is strict, but remember it's based on fair market value, not retail price. Used items, damaged goods, or bulk purchases may have lower actual values. We can help prove the true value was under $950.
Will Prop 47 clear my record completely?
No, Prop 47 reduces your felony to a misdemeanor - it doesn't erase it. However, you may then be eligible to expunge the misdemeanor under PC 1203.4, which would dismiss the conviction entirely.
How is Prop 47 different from PC 17(b) felony reduction?
Prop 47 is specifically for certain theft and drug offenses valued under $950, while PC 17(b) applies to "wobblers" that can be either felonies or misdemeanors. Prop 47 is generally easier to obtain if you qualify.
Can immigration benefit from Prop 47?
Yes, reducing a felony to a misdemeanor can help avoid certain immigration consequences. However, immigration law is complex - we recommend consulting with an immigration attorney for your specific situation.