Results 1 to 2 of 2

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Calif
    Posts
    3

    Default Misdemeanor Dismissal Eligibility, PC 1203.4/1203.4a

    My question involves expungements or pardons for the state of: California

    I have recently filed 2 motions to dismiss my 2 misdemeanors; both of which are non violent and non sexual (vandalism-graffiti, and possession of paraphernalia). I called the Superior Court a few times to ensure I wouldn't hit any snags in the process. However, the DA office decided to oppose the motion, claiming that I was completely ineligible for one. Specifically, due to PC1203.4a, there must have been a year+ between the 2 convictions in order for the motion to be considered. In fact, the two convictions occurred over a year apart, but a deferred entry of judgement made the period less than a year. I am wondering if there are any legal grounds on which to plead my case, or if it doesn't fit the bill, it doesn't fit the bill?

    If it counts for anything, the 1st conviction should have never had the possession of paraphernalia charge, as I was being busted for pot, and as I understand it, marijuana pipes, etc. don't count as paraphernalia if you get busted with just weed. That is usually how it is done in practice? I did not know it then, and the Public Defender just told me to plead guilty 'no contest' if I "wanted it out of my hair."

    So, in short, I'm going to the hearing soon, and am wondering if I have any sort of legal grounds on which to argue against the opposition, if so, I will be seeking an attorney. Thanks to those who read this, and happy holidays to all!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Misdemeanor Dismissal Eligibility, PC 1203.4/1203.4a

    Read this.
    Quote Quoting PC 1203.4.
    (a) In any case in which a defendant has fulfilled the conditions of probation for the entire period of probation, or has been discharged prior to the termination of the period of probation, or in any other case in which a court, in its discretion and the interests of justice, determines that a defendant should be granted the relief available under this section, the defendant shall, at any time after the termination of the period of probation, if he or she is not then serving a sentence for any offense, on probation for any offense, or charged with the commission of any offense, be permitted by the court to withdraw his or her plea of guilty or plea of nolo contendere and enter a plea of not guilty; or, if he or she has been convicted after a plea of not guilty, the court shall set aside the verdict of guilty; and, in either case, the court shall thereupon dismiss the accusations or information against the defendant and except as noted below, he or she shall thereafter be released from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense of which he or she has been convicted, except as provided in Section 13555 of the Vehicle Code. The probationer shall be informed, in his or her probation papers, of this right and privilege and his or her right, if any, to petition for a certificate of rehabilitation and pardon. The probationer may make the application and change of plea in person or by attorney, or by the probation officer authorized in writing. However, in any subsequent prosecution of the defendant for any other offense, the prior conviction may be pleaded and proved and shall have the same effect as if probation had not been granted or the accusation or information dismissed. The order shall state, and the probationer shall be informed, that the order does not relieve him or her of the obligation to disclose the conviction in response to any direct question contained in any questionnaire or application for public office, for licensure by any state or local agency, or for contracting with the California State Lottery. Dismissal of an accusation or information pursuant to this section does not permit a person to own, possess, or have in his or her custody or control any firearm or prevent his or her conviction under Section 12021. Dismissal of an accusation or information underlying a conviction pursuant to this section does not permit a person prohibited from holding public office as a result of that conviction to hold public office. This subdivision shall apply to all applications for relief under this section which are filed on or after November 23, 1970.

    (b) Subdivision (a) of this section does not apply to any misdemeanor that is within the provisions of subdivision (b) of Section 42001 of the Vehicle Code, to any violation of subdivision (c) of Section 286, Section 288, subdivision (c) of Section 288a, Section 288.5, or subdivision (j) of Section 289, any felony conviction pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 261.5, or to any infraction.

    (c)
    (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), subdivision (a) does not apply to a person who receives a notice to appear or is otherwise charged with a violation of an offense described in subdivisions (a) to (e), inclusive, of Section 12810 of the Vehicle Code.

    (2) If a defendant who was convicted of a violation listed in paragraph (1) petitions the court, the court in its discretion and in the interests of justice, may order the relief provided pursuant to subdivision (a) to that defendant.
    (d) A person who petitions for a change of plea or setting aside of a verdict under this section may be required to reimburse the court for the actual costs of services rendered, whether or not the petition is granted and the records are sealed or expunged, at a rate to be determined by the court not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150), and to reimburse the county for the actual costs of services rendered, whether or not the petition is granted and the records are sealed or expunged, at a rate to be determined by the county board of supervisors not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150), and to reimburse any city for the actual costs of services rendered, whether or not the petition is granted and the records are sealed or expunged, at a rate to be determined by the city council not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150). Ability to make this reimbursement shall be determined by the court using the standards set forth in paragraph (2) of subdivision (g) of Section 987.8 and shall not be a prerequisite to a person's eligibility under this section. The court may order reimbursement in any case in which the petitioner appears to have the ability to pay, without undue hardship, all or any portion of the costs for services established pursuant to this subdivision.

    (e) Relief shall not be granted under this section unless the prosecuting attorney has been given 15 days' notice of the petition for relief. The probation officer shall notify the prosecuting attorney when a petition is filed, pursuant to this section. It shall be presumed that the prosecuting attorney has received notice if proof of service is filed with the court.

    (f) If, after receiving notice pursuant to subdivision (e), the prosecuting attorney fails to appear and object to a petition for dismissal, the prosecuting attorney may not move to set aside or otherwise appeal the grant of that petition.

    (g) Notwithstanding the above provisions or any other provision of law, the Governor shall have the right to pardon a person convicted of a violation of subdivision (c) of Section 286, Section 288, subdivision (c) of Section 288a, Section 288.5, or subdivision (j) of Section 289, if there are extraordinary circumstances.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Expungement and Sealing: How to Fill Out Form 1203.4 from the California Expungement Packet
    By Chance Harper in forum Criminal Records
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 12-15-2010, 07:26 PM
  2. Replies: 2
    Last Post: 02-21-2010, 01:40 AM
  3. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: A Second Arrest for Petty Theft, PC 484/666, 1203.2
    By Chooki in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 04-06-2006, 06:51 AM
  4. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: PC 484/666, 1203.2
    By Chooki in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 02-12-2006, 06:58 PM
  5. Expungement and Sealing: California 1203.4 is Not Expungement
    By yeahok in forum Criminal Records
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 09-13-2005, 01:20 AM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources