Proposition 47 is a piece of legislation that passed California voters in October 2014. It’s part of a widespread campaign to reform the California criminal justice system, especially overly harsh sentences. This effort contradicts the previous policies of the 1980s and 90s that allowed extremely harsh sentences to be imposed for even the slightest crimes.

Re-categorization of certain nonviolent crimes

Proposition 47 effectively reduces sentences for a host of nonviolent crimes, making them misdemeanors instead of felonies. Many former wobblers, which could be charged as felonies or misdemeanors, are not definitively misdemeanors. This includes drug possession, fraud, and many other nonviolent crimes.

Flawed past policies

California voters and legislators seem to be coming to the realization that the “lock ‘em up and throw away the key” policies of years part simply aren’t working. There haven’t been major decreases in crime rates as a result of harsh sentencing, and when people are released from the prison system, they’re often not very well-equipped to deal with the outside world again.

New focus on rehabilitation, not harsh punishments

Now that fewer people will be sentenced to long-term prison sentences, the money the Californian government will save will now go towards rehabilitation programs (and to victim support funds). Rehabilitating people will hopefully prove more effective at reducing crime and incarcerations rates—though only time will tell.

How about forgery?

There’s been so much talk about drug crime resentencing that some of the less-common crimes are left out of the news. Well, the answer is, yes—if the amount affected by the forgery is less than $950, forgery will now definitely be charged as a misdemeanor as a result of Proposition 47.

This is great news for anyone who’s ever been charged with forgery. If you’ve already been convicted of a forgery crime, you can apply for resentencing under Proposition 47 now. And if your case is currently in process, Proposition 47 has already gone into effect, so your potential penalties will already be reduced.

Got questions?

If you have any questions about Proposition 47, forgery, or your specific case Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell would be happy to help you. All prospective clients are entitled to a free consultation with Attorney Torrence L. Howell. Schedule yours now by calling (909) 920-0908 or emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com. Attorney Howell is always staying up-to-date on all the legislative developments, especially reforms that impact his clients, and he knows all the details of Proposition 47 so he can effectively apply it to your case.

Come in for a free case evaluation today, and meet with Attorney Howell to discuss your case. He’ll offer you excellent legal advice right away and he’ll be happy to answer any of your questions or concerns.