Policy Text
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced by : Sgt Clayton Buchanan Daniel Hahn, Chief of Police
Prepared by: Of ficer Jeff Kuhlmann, PSU Volume 89
Terms of Probation Reduced For Most Crimes
AB1950
2-3-2021
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2021
SUMMARY:
On January 1, 2021, Assembly Bill 1950 (“AB 1950”) became effective. This law reduces the maximum terms
of probation that a court may impose for both misdemeanor and felony convictions.
As amended, Penal Code section 1203a limits the court’s authority to impose probation, upon conviction of a
misdemeanor offense , to a term of up to one year , regardless of the maximum term of imprisonment,
effectively reducing the maximum term of probation by at least two years. (The one -year limit does not apply to
misdeme anor offenses that prescribe specific terms of probation ).
As amended, Penal Code section 1203.1 limits the court’s authority to impose probation, upon conviction of a
felony offense , to a term of up to two years , regardless of the maximum term of impriso nment, effectively
reducing the maximum term of probation by at least three years. The two -year limit does not apply to a “violent
felony” within the meaning of Penal Code section 667.5, subdivision (c), grand theft, embezzlement, or theft by
false pretens es, if the total value of property taken exceeds $25,000, or a felony offense that prescribes a
specific term of probation.
It is anticipated that this law will also be applied retroactively to subjects currently on probation. The
Sacramento Probation De partment estimates that this will affect approximately 13,000 probationers in
Sacramento County . Sacramento Superior Court and the Probation Department are currently working on the
implementation of this new law.
Effective immediately , officers shall confirm the probation status of a subject immediately prior to all
probation searches.
Review Questions
1. I checked the probation status of someone last week and it said they were on probation . Can I
do a probation search on that person today?
Answer : It depends. First , you must check the probation status immediately before
conducting the search as the person may have been d ischarged from probation due to
AB1950.
2. I stopped a subject and he tells me that he is on probation for a felony until 202 4. Can I search
the person?
Answer: You should still verify his probation conditions as the length of his probation may
have been shortened retroactively by AB1 950.