If you are unfamiliar with the Three Strikes Law this post should help to clarify what it is and its effects. The Three Strike Law was enacted by California in 1994 and may be referred to as habitual offender laws. The Three Strikes Law are statutes which mandate state courts to impose harsh sentences on persons convicted of three or more serious criminal offenses. It is most commonly seen in crimes that are committed at the felony level and in most cases the defendant is given the possibility of parole with their life sentence. The Three Strikes Law seeks to significantly increase prison sentences for those who are convicted of a felony and have been previously convicted for two or more violent crimes or serious felonies. These crimes may include:
- Murder or voluntary manslaughter
- Arson
- Robbery with a deadly or dangerous weapon
- Rape and other sex offenses
- Burglary
- Assault with intent to commit robbery or murder
- Kidnapping
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Receiving stolen property
- Mayhem
- Felonies where great bodily injury was inflicted on the victim
- Felonies in which the defendant used a firearm
- Gang crimes
For further information on serious felonies and violent felonies we have provided links to California Penal Code Section 1192.7(c) and California Penal Code Section 667.5(c). Most felonies involving violence are included amongst the list.
Three Strikes Law Cases
As we have described above, Three Strikes Law cases can carry very serious consequences including life in prison. The Three Strikes Law was passed in an effort to target violent repeat offenders, if you or a loved one is under investigation or have been charged with a crime that may face the Three Strikes Law you should contact a Fresno Criminal Defense Attorney to schedule a consultation and discuss your case. Three Strikes Law cases are very serious and you must act fast to ensure that your rights are protected.
Under California’s Three Strikes Law if a person is convicted of a felony and has two or more “strike” priors (prior convictions for strike offenses) that person must be sentenced to at least 25 years to life in state prison.
Contact Fresno Criminal Defense Lawyer Gregory W. Fox if you are facing a Three Strikes Law case. In most instances an appointment can be made for the same day, you can contact us today at (559) 222-5800.