Legal Felony Reduction Form

LEGAL FELONY REDUCTION FORM

This Felony Reduction Authorization and Petition Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into on by and between Petitioner Name: (Petitioner) and Attorney or Firm Name: (Attorney).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Petitioner was convicted of the offense described below and presently suffers legal disabilities and collateral consequences as a result of that conviction; and

WHEREAS, under applicable statutory authority and prosecutorial discretion, a petition or application may be filed seeking the reduction of a felony conviction to a misdemeanor, resentencing, or other relief that mitigates the legal status or penalties associated with the conviction; and

WHEREAS, Petitioner wishes to engage Attorney to evaluate, prepare, and prosecute such a petition and to take related actions on Petitioner’s behalf, subject to the terms set forth herein.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

a. "Petition" means any motion, application, or pleading to the court, prosecutor, or other tribunal seeking reduction of a felony conviction to a misdemeanor, resentencing, or comparable relief.

b. "Relevant Records" includes court transcripts, judgment and sentence documents, probation and parole records, charging instruments, police reports, and any other documents reasonably necessary to prepare and support a Petition.

2. SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION

Attorney shall provide legal services reasonably necessary to evaluate Petitioner’s eligibility for relief, obtain and review Relevant Records, prepare and file a Petition if appropriate, communicate and negotiate with prosecuting authorities, appear at hearings, and pursue reasonable appellate or post-judgment remedies specifically related to the Petition. Attorney is not retained for unrelated criminal matters unless explicitly agreed in writing.

3. PETITIONER CERTIFICATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Petitioner certifies that the following statements are true and correct to the best of Petitioner’s knowledge, information, and belief:

a. Petitioner was convicted of the offense described below and has provided accurate and complete information regarding the conviction and subsequent sentencing or supervision.

b. Petitioner authorizes Attorney to obtain Relevant Records and to receive and disclose information to third parties as necessary to pursue the Petition, including probation officers, clerks, and prosecuting authorities.

c. Petitioner understands that Attorney cannot guarantee a particular outcome and that decisions by a court or prosecutor are discretionary.

4. CASE INFORMATION

Case Number: Court Name:

County of Conviction: Statute / Code Section:

Date of Conviction: Date of Sentence:

5. GROUNDS FOR REDUCTION

Petitioner identifies the legal and factual grounds that Attorney is authorized to assert on Petitioner’s behalf (check all that apply):

Rehabilitative evidence demonstrating mitigation of conduct and community reintegration.

Change in statutory law or sentencing provisions that would permit relief.

Factual or legal error in the underlying conviction or sentencing proceeding.

Request for prosecutorial discretion to reduce charge or file a motion to recall sentence.

6. AUTHORITY TO FILE AND TAKE ACTIONS

Petitioner expressly authorizes Attorney to:

Obtain and review Relevant Records from courts, probation, law enforcement, and other custodians of records.

Prepare, file, and prosecute a Petition seeking reduction or other relief.

Negotiate with prosecuting authorities, including plea agreements or stipulated resolutions related solely to the Petition.

Appear for hearings and related court proceedings and to sign stipulations or waivers as reasonably necessary.

7. FEES, COSTS, AND PAYMENT

Fees paid are earned as described in this Agreement. Petitioner understands that costs such as filing fees, transcript fees, and costs of obtaining records are separate and will be billed as incurred unless otherwise noted.

8. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Petitioner will provide, to the extent available, the following documents (check those provided):

Abstract of Judgment

Sentencing Transcript

Probation/Parole Records

Character/Employment Letters

9. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below or to such other address as a party may designate by notice delivered pursuant to this provision.

10. WAIVER, RELEASE, AND COOPERATION

Petitioner authorizes the release of records and information to Attorney and waives any statutory privacy objections to the extent necessary to obtain records relevant to the Petition. Petitioner agrees to cooperate fully with Attorney, including providing sworn declarations, appearances, and truthful testimony if required.

11. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the Petition will be filed, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

12. AMENDMENT; COUNTERPARTS; WAIVER

No amendment to this Agreement is effective unless in writing and signed by both parties. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. No waiver of any breach is effective unless in writing signed by the party granting the waiver.

13. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By signing below, Petitioner acknowledges receipt of a copy of this Agreement, understands the nature and scope of the representation, and affirms the accuracy of the information provided herein.

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