Prop 47 FAQ

On November 4, 2014, the voters of California passed Proposition 47, a law that reduces some felonies to misdemeanors.

Can I get my felony reduced to a misdemeanor?

Prop 47 grants that you may be able to have your most recent case, and any earlier cases, changed from felonies to misdemeanors if you were convicted of the following charges:

• Commercial Burglary of a Store during Regular Business Hours (PC §459)
• Forgery (PC §470-476)
• Fraud/Bad Checks (PC §476a)
• Grand Theft (PC §487)
• Petty Theft/Shoplifting (PC §§484, 484/666)
• Possession of Methamphetamine (HS §11377)
• Possession of Controlled Substance (HS §11350)
• Possession of Concentrated Cannabis (HS §11357(a))
• Receiving Stolen Property (PC §496)

For theft charges to be reduced, the amount stolen must have been less than $950. Simple possession of any controlled substance or unlawful drug has now been reduced to a misdemeanor.

More info

To find out more information about how Prop 47 may effect you or your client, please click the link below for a link to the FAQ on the Contra Costa County Superior Court’s website:

 Proposition 47: Felony Charges Reduction

For CAAP questions, please visit the ACBA Court Appointed Attorneys Program. Otherwise, please direct further questions to the appropriate Public Defenders’ Office.