By Marciano Avila
In November of 2014, Proposition 47 was passed with 59 percent voter approval. Amongst other things, this proposition reduced felonies to misdemeanors for certain offenses where the value of the offense does not exceed $950. These offenses include shoplifting, grand theft, receiving stolen property, forgery, fraud, writing a bad check and possession of most illegal drugs. The law applies to those who are currently incarcerated; as well those who have been released back into their communities.