Class 6 felonies fall into a variety of categories around the country. The classification of crime includes possession of up to 2 ounces of methamphetamine, receipt of a stolen firearm, recklessly handling a dangerous weapon, and internet gambling. These crimes represent the lowest level of all felony crimes and result in the shortest prison sentences or fines when you are found convicted.
The good news is when you are convicted of a charge that qualifies as a class 6 felonies, you may be able to have the charge reduced to a misdemeanor when you finish out your sentence. This step is important for many individuals because it means the restrictions you have throughout life as a felon may be reduced or eliminated. Some of these limitations include:
- Obtaining professional licenses
- Restoring gun rights
- Serving on juries
- Not having job searches or loan requests negatively affected
But what does the process or reducing that class 6 felony charge look like?
Reducing a class 6 felony begins with hiring a qualified attorney who can help guide you through the process. Their first step will be determining if you are eligible to reduce the charge. Qualifications will vary from state to state but could include such factors as:
- The number of felony convictions you already have on your record.
- The felony you have been charged or convicted with did not intentionally/knowingly inflict serious injury to another and was not a sexual crime.
- The felony you have been charged with did not involve the use of a deadly weapon.
In some states across the country, these qualifications may even be more limited. For example, in California, you can only have a charge reduced if the offense you committed is considered a wobbler, or a crime that the prosecutor can determine if is a felony or misdemeanor.
Once your attorney has determined that you qualify to have the charge reduced, he or she will need to file the necessary paperwork and deliver them to the court clerk to be filed. This will often come with a filing fee. In some states, you can apply for a fee waiver if you cannot afford this filing fee. With the filing, your attorney will also need to notify the prosecutor to provide notice of your requests.
Attend a hearing. With the proper paperwork filed, you and your attorney will need to attend a hearing about your reasoning for lessening the charge. As part of the hearing, you may be expected to explain how you’ve turned your life around and how you have been able to stay out of trouble since the initial conviction.
The process of having your charge lessened from a felony to a misdemeanor can take a while. For it, you will need the services of a qualified attorney. But, when you see the process through and if the result winds up in your favor, it can certainly be important to your future and the future of your family.