AB 1950: Probation Periods

This is a new law that has already been signed and becomes effective starting January 1, 2021. Currently, most criminal cases where a person is not sent to a State Prison receive some type of Probation. This Probation can be Formal (for felony cases) or Informal (For misdemeanor cases). A probationary period would normally last anywhere between 3 to 5 years. This new law changes the Probation period for Misdemeanor cases from 1 year to 3 years, and for Felony cases from 2 years to 5 years.

You can read the full text for AB 1950 here.

How does this work?

This means that if you have a pending criminal case, the Probation period will go down to as low as 1 year, or 2 years, depending on the type of charge that you have. It is not something special you must do in your case, it applies to any case that is resolved after January 1^st, 2021. It also applies to people who are still on Probation, and want to get their criminal case expunged much faster with the new Probation laws.

What does this not apply to?

AB 1950 does not apply to certain offenses that required, by law, a certain Probation period. Meaning, if the statute of the crime requires a period of time you must be on Probation. This law is Retroactive as stated above, so it will apply if you are on Probation for a non-excludable offense after January 1^st, 2021.

Certain offenses, such as Domestic Violence and DUIs, require a minimum period of 3 years of Probation, so those are not changed by this new law. Other law changes to AB 1950 can be found This Link Will Open A PDF Documenthere.

How can this help me in my case?

The easy and most obvious reason this helps your case is that it allows you to be able to Expunge your case faster under PC 1203.4. A criminal conviction can have a devastating impact on a person’s future – through school, and work. Being able to have a shorter Probation period means you can get whatever charge you were convicted off of your record faster than in the past, so you can move on with your life and do so with a clean record.

Conclusion

AB 1950 represents a significant shift in the landscape of criminal justice, offering a promising avenue for individuals to move past the challenges of criminal convictions more swiftly. This legislation is particularly impactful for those with prior convictions, providing a chance for expediting personal growth and reintegration into society. It’s a law that acknowledges the possibility of change and supports those who are working towards a better future.

However, navigating the intricacies of AB 1950 requires careful attention and expertise. As someone with a criminal record, it’s essential to understand how this law applies to your specific case. The role of a skilled attorney in this process cannot be overstated. An experienced lawyer can help interpret the nuances of the law, ensure your rights are protected, and guide you through the legal steps necessary to benefit from this legislation.

As an attorney with expertise in this area, I am well-equipped to assist you in understanding and leveraging AB 1950 for your case. Whether it’s filing motions, representing you in court, or simply offering legal advice, my aim is to provide the support you need to navigate this new legal landscape successfully.

For a detailed consultation on how AB 1950 can impact your situation and to discuss the legal services I can offer, please feel free to contact me at 909-939-7126. You can trust that your legal matters will be handled with professionalism, dedication, and a deep understanding of the law.