Domestic Violence in California, PC 273.5
My question involves criminal law for the state of: California
I recently was charged with a Domestic Violence felony earlier in 2012. The judge said he'd drop the charge to a misdemeanor if I did some time and took court-ordered DV classes. I did 35 days out of the 90 days sentenced in county jail and I'm just about to finish my 52 DV classes. At which point in time does the charge get switched from a felony to a misdemeanor on my record? Is it when I'm done with the DV classes and show proof of that to the court ? or is it when I'm done with my probation (3yrs)? or is it already a misdemeanor per the deal I took at sentencing ?
Also, how do employers view a charge of DV ? If it shows up a misdemeanor on your record can you still get a job?
If I move out-of-state to New York, will this charge in California haunt me on job applications?
This is my first criminal offence ever.
Thanks
Re: Domestic Violence in California, PC 273.5
The terms of your sentence are what they are - and we have no access to the court file or abstract of sentence. If you were represented, check with your lawyer. If not, see if your probation officer can clarify, see what the notes in the court file or abstract of judgment say, or consul a local lawyer.
Employers see criminal records in accord with their internal policies, with the limits on the use of a criminal history varying somewhat by state. It's most likely to be an issue if Lautenberg Amendment issues will arise in your employment, or if you may be working with vulnerable populations, but there are too many unknowns for us to tell you what any given employer is likely to discover or how they will respond.