AB 267: Criminal procedure: disclosure: felony conviction consequences.

Existing law requires, when a defendant is brought before a magistrate upon arrest, on a charge of having committed a public offense, the magistrate to immediately inform the defendant of the charge against him or her and the defendants right to counsel at every stage of the proceedings. Existing law requires the court to inform the defendant that there are certain provisions of law specifically designed for individuals who have active duty or veteran status and who have been charged with a crime.

This bill would require the court, prior to acceptance of a guilty or nolo contendere plea to a felony offense, to inform the defendant that a conviction for a felony may result in various consequences, including, among others, the loss of certain professional licenses, prohibitions against owning or possessing a firearm, and eligibility for enlisting in the military. The bill would make a legislative finding that the failure to provide this advisement with respect to pleas accepted prior to January 1, 2016, would not be cause to vacate a judgment and withdraw a plea, constitute grounds to find a conviction invalid, or provide grounds for appeal from the judgment or appealable order.