You Are Not Alone: Get Legal Help from an SB Attorney in Fullerton CA
Lawmakers in the state of California have taken steps to right the wrongs that were occurring with the previous way in which the felony murder law was being applied. While the law is not dead entirely, significant changes have now been made – and many are retroactive. This means that a person already serving time could call an SB 1437 attorney in Fullerton CA and potentially have their sentence significantly reduced.
The 3 Criteria That May Make You Eligible for Resentencing
In order for an SB 1437 attorney in Fullerton CA to help their client have their sentence reduced, one of the three following categories must apply to said client:
- If the client was convicted under the first-degree felony murder rule then they must not have killed, intended to kill, or acted as a major participant in the felony with reckless indifference to human life.
- If the client was convicted as an accomplish to a “target” crime under the second-degree felony murder they cannot have killed or acted with malice in the killing.
- The client was convicted of second-degree murder.
If one of the three listed criteria is true of your situation then now is the time to contact an SB 1437 attorney in Fullerton CA. If you are not sure under what theory of murder you or your loved one was convicted, then you should contact the lawyer who handled the case and / or the appeal. The jury instructions can also be looked at to determine the theory of the case. If you need assistance obtaining this documentation, contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088.
There Are Several Steps Involved in Applying for Resentencing
A person is not automatically resentenced if their case falls under the changes made by the legislature. Instead, they must fill out a petition and submit declarations regarding their conviction. Copies of those documents must then be sent either to the District Attorney or Attorney General – whichever office handled the original case. Copies must also be sent to either the Office of the Public Defender or an SB 1437 attorney in Fullerton CA.
It is worth mentioning that a person who was sentenced to life without parole after conviction of felony murder with “special circumstances” may still be eligible. We always suggest talking to an attorney about your individual case before deciding that you are not eligible.
Not Sure How to Proceed? Contact an SB 1437 Attorney in Fullerton CA
Though the passage of SB 1437 is good news for many people, it is complex legislation, made more complicated by the fact that it is not entirely clear how the courts will interpret portions of the law. For this and other reasons, it is essential to work with an SB 1437 attorney in Fullerton CA. Reach out to Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 now for your free initial consultation.
