California · 2014-11-04

Proposition 47: Criminal Sentences. Misdemeanor Penalties. Initiative Statute

Requires misdemeanor sentences rather than felony charges for certain drug possession offenses and property crimes (petty theft, receiving stolen property, forging/writing bad checks) when the amount involved is $950 or less. Felony sentencing remains available for defendants with prior convictions for serious crimes. Mandates re-sentencing for people currently serving felony sentences for these offenses, unless a court finds unreasonable public safety risk. Savings fund mental health programs, substance abuse treatment, K–12 schools, and crime victim services.