This question involves the law of the State of California.

Client pleads guilty to a felony in California and is placed on probation. Client and the D.A. enter into an agreement accepted by the Court that upon successful completion of the probation client can receive a 17b reduction to a misdemeanor.

Client successfully completes probation and years later is charged under Arkansas' felon in possession of firearm law. There is no record of the California offense being reduced to a misdemeanor and it would not appear that doing so now would affect client's status at the time the felon in possession of firearm charge occurred.

It is my understanding that the reduction is not automatic but that a motion/petition must be filed with the sentencing court and the relief must be granted before any reduction would become effective. Any thoughts or suggestions?