Can a Class B Felony Be Reduced or Expunged?

A Class B felony is one of the more serious criminal offenses in the United States, typically punishable by long prison sentences, heavy fines, and lasting consequences. But for those convicted, the question remains: Can a Class B felony be reduced or even expunged?

The answer depends on several factors—including state laws, case circumstances, criminal history, and post-conviction behavior. In this guide, we’ll break down when and how a Class B felony can potentially be reduced or expunged.

What Is a Class B Felony?

Crimes classified as Class B felonies are considered serious but not at the highest tier (which would be Class A felonies or capital offenses). They typically carry penalties such as:

• 10 to 25 years in prison (varies by state)
• Large monetary fines
• Permanent criminal record
• Limited access to housing, employment, and firearm rights

Examples of Class B felonies may include:

• Armed robbery
• Manslaughter
• Sexual assault
• Drug trafficking (large quantity)
• Burglary with a weapon

Because these crimes are serious, courts and lawmakers impose tougher restrictions on expungement or reduction than on misdemeanors or lesser felonies.

Can a Class B Felony Be Reduced?

Yes—in some cases, a Class B felony can be reduced to a lower felony class or even a misdemeanor under certain legal conditions.

How Can It Be Reduced?

1. Plea Bargaining Before Conviction
The most common reduction happens before conviction, during plea negotiations. A defense attorney may work with the prosecution to reduce the charge (e.g., from Class B to Class C or a misdemeanor) in exchange for a guilty plea or cooperation.

2. Post-Conviction Motions
Some jurisdictions allow post-conviction motions to reduce a felony if the person has:

• • Completed all sentencing terms
  • Maintained a clean record since conviction
  • Demonstrated rehabilitation

In California, for example, Penal Code § 17(b) allows certain “wobblers” (crimes chargeable as either felonies or misdemeanors) to be reduced post-conviction, but this rarely applies to Class B felonies unless the charge was overfiled initially.

3. Reclassification Laws or Ballot Initiatives
Occasionally, changes in the law (like California’s Proposition 47) reclassify specific crimes or open new pathways for re-sentencing. However, these generally apply to non-violent offenses, so they may not impact most Class B felonies.

Can a Class B Felony Be Expunged?

Expungement refers to the process of erasing or sealing a criminal record from public view. Whether a Class B felony can be expunged depends on state law and case specifics.

State Variations in Expungement Law

Each state handles felony expungement differently. Some states offer relatively broad expungement eligibility, while others are extremely strict:

• New York: Only certain non-violent Class B felonies may qualify for record sealing, not expungement, after a 10-year waiting period.
• Texas: Felony expungement is limited and typically reserved for cases that resulted in dismissal or acquittal.
• Michigan: Under “Clean Slate” laws, some Class B felonies can be expunged after a waiting period of 10+ years if the person has no other recent convictions.
• Illinois: Most felony convictions, including Class B, are not eligible for expungement but may qualify for clemency or sealing.

Common Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for expungement or record sealing, most states require:

• Completion of sentence and probation/parole
• A waiting period (typically 5 to 10 years)
• No pending charges or new convictions
• Payment of all fines, restitution, and court costs

Some states also require a court petition, background check, and possibly a hearing.

What Crimes Are Usually NOT Eligible?

Most states exclude certain Class B felonies from expungement if they involve:

• Violent acts
• Sex offenses
• Crimes against children
• Repeat felony offenders

These exclusions aim to protect public safety, and courts are typically strict about denying expungement for these crimes—even decades after conviction.

What If You Don’t Qualify for Expungement?

If expungement isn’t available for your Class B felony, you may still consider other legal options:

• Record Sealing: Hides the record from public view but remains accessible to law enforcement and certain agencies.
• Governor’s Pardon: A form of executive clemency that may restore rights and allow for expungement later.
• Certificate of Rehabilitation: Available in some states to demonstrate rehabilitation, which can help with employment or licensing.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Legal Options

A Class B felony is serious, but it doesn’t always have to define your future. While expungement and reduction can be difficult, they are possible under the right conditions—especially if you’ve maintained a clean record, completed your sentence, and followed the law since conviction.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, consult a criminal defense attorney or expungement specialist in your state. With the right guidance, you might open a path to a cleaner record and a fresh start.