CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles Three Strikes Law

Understanding the Three Strikes Law in California

The Three Strikes Law in California has been a topic of controversy in the state’s criminal justice system. This law has caused a lot of prison overcrowding, making it hard for the state to keep up. Additionally, many are questioning whether it is fulfilling its intended purpose of reducing the crime rate in California.

If you have two previous felony convictions in California, it is crucial to understand how the Three Strikes Law could impact you if you have pending charges of a third felony. The dangerous reality of the situation with the law is the longer prison sentences that correspond with it, as well as the limited options for punishments that are not in the form of incarceration.

The law is clear that anyone with a history of serious, violent offenses such as rape or murder will face prison time, regardless of the other offenses in their history. Many people have voiced their concerns about the effectiveness of this law, given the overcrowding in California’s prisons that taxpayers have to fund. Consequently, there are calls for reform and alternative sentencing methods for those whose third offense is a minor charge like marijuana possession.

Protecting Yourself from the Three Strikes Law

If you’re facing the possibility of your third felony conviction, there are potential protections at your disposal. The way to safeguard your future in this situation is to enlist an experienced attorney to represent you. Our firm is highly dedicated to providing realistic and effective solutions to our clients’ legal dilemmas.

To determine the course of action for your case, we first recommend booking a consultation with our firm. We will review your case with you and determine whether it is a good fit with our practice. Once we are sure, we can begin working on possible legal theories that can help you fight the Three Strikes Law, increasing your chances of avoiding needless incarceration for a minor charge.

Understanding the Three Strikes Law: What You Need to Know

The Three Strikes Law in California has created quite a stir in the criminal justice system of the state. Many have voiced concerns about the law’s effectiveness and its contribution to the overcrowding of California’s prisons. In this article, we break down some critical things to understand about this controversial law.

What is the Three Strikes Law?

The Three Strikes Law is a piece of legislation in California that enhances the prison sentences that correspond with a third felony conviction for offenders who have prior records of violent or serious felonies. This law was passed in 1994 and has caused a lot of controversy because of its contribution to prison overcrowding.

What are serious and violent felonies?

The Three Strikes Law covers a range of violent and serious offenses, including murder, rape, sexual offenses, robbery that uses a deadly weapon, and burglary, among others. Regardless of the other offenses in an offender’s record of previous felony convictions, if they have a violent or serious felony charge, their third strike will result in an increased prison sentence.

Why has it been controversial?

The Three Strikes Law has been a source of controversy because of the great overcrowding of California’s already overburdened prisons. There has been a growing desire for alternative sentencing methods that would reduce prison overcrowding and provide better results for the criminal justice system in California.

What can you do if you have pending charges for a third felony?

Suppose you have a record of two prior felony convictions in California and have charges for a third. In that case, it is wise to invest in an experienced attorney to help you understand your legal options to avoid serving an unnecessarily long prison sentence. At our firm, we offer consultations to help you understand the way to approach your situation and find the legal theories to argue on your behalf.

Final Thoughts

The Three Strikes Law in California has caused a lot of controversy in the criminal justice system. With the high levels of overcrowding in the state’s prisons, there has been a growing call for reform to improve the justice system’s effectiveness. If you’re facing the prospect of a third felony conviction in California, it is crucial to speak with an experienced attorney to help you choose the course of action to protect your future.