An SB 1437 Attorney in Grand Terrace CA Could Change Your Life
In recent years, California legislators have taken steps to update the felony murder law. As a result of these reforms, an SB 1437 attorney in Grand Terrace CA can help eligible Californians convicted of felony murder have their sentences reduced. While not all persons who have been convicted of felony murder qualify, a quick call to Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free initial consultation can give you all the answers you need.
Do Any of These 3 Criteria Apply to Your Case?
While SB 1437 does not allow for everyone convicted via the felony murder rule to be resentenced, those who meet certain eligibility requirements can be resentenced. Generally speaking, the person in question would need to be fit into one of these three categories:
- They were convicted under the first-degree felony murder rule and did not have kill, intend to kill, or act as a major participant in the felony with reckless indifference to human life.
- They were convicted as an accomplish to a “target” crime under the second-degree felony murder and did not kill or act with malice in the killing.
- They were convicted of second-degree murder.
Do one of these three categories cover the case you are concerned about? If so, that does not necessarily mean that the case is automatically eligible but it is a good sign. If you are not sure if one of these categories applies then you can contact your trial and / or appeal attorney to find out, talk to an SB 1437 attorney in Grand Terrace CA who is experienced in these cases, or review the sentencing requirements the judge read at the trail to see what type of crime the case involved.
Discover the Steps to Requesting a Sentencing Adjustment
The good news is that the effects of SB 1437 are retroactive, meaning that they apply both to people who have been sentenced under the felony murder rule and those who will be sentenced in the future. The bad news is that those who are eligible to have their sentence adjusted cannot expect it to happen automatically.
The process involves filling out a petition and submitting declarations re: the conviction. This paperwork must be filled out, copied, and then sent both to either the District Attorney or Attorney General (whichever of the two was in charge of the conviction) and to either a public defender or an SB 1437 attorney in Grand Terrace CA.
Not Sure How to Proceed? Contact an SB 1437 Attorney in Grand Terrace 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 Grand Terrace CA. Reach out to Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 now for your free initial consultation.
