What is California’s “Second Chance Law”?

In California, the “2nd Chance Law” refers to a set of laws and initiatives that aim to provide individuals who have been convicted of a crime with the opportunity to have their criminal records sealed or expunged. Expungement means that a criminal conviction is removed from a person’s record, while sealing means that the conviction remains on the record but is not disclosed to the public.

The specific laws and initiatives that make up the 2nd Chance Law in California include:

Proposition 47: This ballot measure, which was passed by California voters in 2014, allows people who have been convicted of certain nonviolent felonies to petition the court to have their convictions reclassified as misdemeanors. If the petition is granted, the person may be eligible to have their conviction sealed or expunged.

Proposition 64: This ballot measure, which was passed by California voters in 2016, legalized the possession and use of recreational marijuana in California. It also provided for the expungement of certain marijuana-related criminal convictions.

Senate Bill 180: This law, which went into effect in 2019, expanded the types of offenses that can be sealed or expunged under Proposition 47 to include some misdemeanors. It also streamlined the process for petitioning the court for expungement or sealing of a criminal record.

Overall, the 2nd Chance Law in California can have a significant impact on individuals who have been convicted of a crime and are seeking to have their criminal records sealed or expunged. These laws may provide individuals with the opportunity to have their criminal records cleaned up and to move forward with their lives. However, it’s important to note that the specific laws and their application can vary depending on the circumstances of each case. If you have specific questions about the 2nd Chance Law in California and how it may apply to you, please contact us for a consultation.