Proposition 47: Reduce Your Felony Conviction in Los Angeles

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Prop 47 Reclassification and Resentencing in Los Angeles. Find Out If You Qualify Today

If you were convicted of a non-violent felony drug or theft offense in California, Proposition 47 may give you the opportunity to have that conviction reduced to a misdemeanor. A felony reduction under Prop 47 can remove significant barriers to employment, housing, and professional licensing that a felony record creates. At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, our criminal defense attorney has helped Los Angeles clients pursue Prop 47 relief for over 20 years. Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation to find out if you qualify.

What Is Proposition 47?

Proposition 47, passed by California voters in November 2014, reclassified certain non-violent felony drug and theft offenses as misdemeanors. The law applies both to future charges and to individuals who were previously convicted of now-reclassified offenses before Prop 47 took effect. For those with prior convictions, Prop 47 created a petition process allowing eligible individuals to apply to have their felony convictions reduced to misdemeanors — regardless of whether they are currently serving their sentence, on parole or probation, or have already completed their sentence entirely. Without taking action, a prior felony conviction is not automatically reclassified. You must file a petition with the court. Our firm handles this process on your behalf.

Which Offenses Does Proposition 47 Cover?

Prop 47 reclassified the following categories of offenses from felonies to misdemeanors when the value of the property involved is $950 or less or when the offense involves personal use quantities of a controlled substance:

Drug Offenses:

  • Simple possession of a controlled substance (Health & Safety Code 11350)
  • Possession of methamphetamine (Health & Safety Code 11377)
  • Possession of concentrated cannabis (Health & Safety Code 11357(a))

Theft and Property Offenses:

  • Petty theft with a prior (Penal Code 666)
  • Shoplifting where the value of property does not exceed $950 (Penal Code 459.5)
  • Receiving stolen property valued at $950 or less (Penal Code 496)
  • Forgery of checks, bonds, or bills valued at $950 or less (Penal Code 473)
  • Fraud involving checks, drafts, or orders valued at $950 or less (Penal Code 476a)
  • Grand theft where the value does not exceed $950 (Penal Code 487)

If you are unsure whether your prior conviction falls within one of these categories, contact our firm. We evaluate every client’s complete criminal history to identify every Prop 47 eligible conviction before filing any petition.

Who Qualifies for Prop 47 Relief?

To be eligible for resentencing or reclassification under Proposition 47, the following requirements must be met:

  • Your conviction must be for one of the offenses covered by Prop 47
  • You must not have a prior conviction for a serious or violent felony listed in Penal Code 667(e)(2)(C)(iv) — commonly known as a super strike offense — or for offenses requiring sex offender registration under Penal Code 290
  • If you are currently serving a sentence, the court must determine that your release would not pose an unreasonable risk of danger to public safety

Individuals who have already completed their sentence are generally eligible to petition for reclassification without a dangerousness assessment, provided the other eligibility requirements are met.

Why Los Angeles Clients Choose The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi for Prop 47 Relief

Our criminal defense attorney has been handling Prop 47 petitions in Los Angeles County since the law took effect in 2014. We evaluate every client’s complete criminal history, identify every eligible conviction, prepare the petition correctly, and represent you at any required hearing.

The petition process requires accurate identification of the eligible offense, proper documentation, and effective advocacy if the prosecution objects. Our firm handles every step on your behalf so the process is completed correctly and as efficiently as possible.

A Prop 47 reduction is often a critical first step before pursuing expungement. Once a felony is reduced to a misdemeanor, the conviction may become eligible for expungement under Penal Code 1203.4, which can then allow you to truthfully answer no on most private employer job applications. Our firm evaluates both options together and pursues every available avenue for record relief on your behalf.

Reduce Your Felony to a Misdemeanor with an Experienced Los Angeles Attorney

California’s Prop 47 offers individuals convicted of certain non-violent felonies a unique opportunity to have their convictions reduced to misdemeanors. This reclassification can significantly impact your future, making it easier to find employment, secure housing, and regain your rights. However, the process can be complex, and not all convictions are eligible for relief under Prop 47.

At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we have over 20 years of experience helping clients successfully petition for Prop 47 relief. Our legal team will carefully review your case, determine your eligibility, and guide you through the process of reducing your felony conviction. We are committed to helping you achieve a brighter future by minimizing the long-term effects of a past conviction.

If you believe you qualify for Prop 47, contact us at (310) 448-1529 or schedule a consultation with Attorney Hashemi using our secure online system. We will help you navigate the legal process and fight to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Schedule a Consultation:

Our office is located in the Westside Towers, serving clients throughout Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Westwood. Contact us today to begin the process of reducing your felony to a misdemeanor under Prop 47.