Three Strikes Law
The California Three Strikes law has been a controversial one ever since it was passed in 1994. Even though amendments to the law have been passed recently, it still poses life-altering consequences to those who make what seems like a simple mistake.
Three-Strikes Law Defined
The Three Strikes law in California is very complex and is often difficult to interpret. Basically, the Three Strikes law outlines that anyone who has been convicted of a felony crime previously—even before the law was passed—and is then convicted of a third offense, which could even be a misdemeanor, is subject to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison up to a lifetime maximum in prison.
Most “strike” convictions under the law include felonies such as:
- Grand Theft
- Assault
- Kidnapping
- Rape
- Murder
- Homicide
- Armed Robbery
- Drug Trafficking
- Arson
- Weapons Charges
- Residential Burglary
- Bank Robbery
While the Three Strikes law was initially enacted to keep repeat felons off of the streets, the controversy began when individuals with prior felonies—even decades in the past—were sent to prison for minor third strikes like petty theft. Under this law, it’s entirely possible for someone who has already served due time for felonies in the past life to once again serve years in prison for simple mistakes of stealing a loaf of bread or a pair of socks.
Seek Help for Any Felony Charge
When it comes to California’s Three Strike law, it’s not always just the third offense that is most influential. Most often, if those charged with their first or second felonies would have accessed the helped of a qualified criminal defense lawyer, they could have successfully reduced the charges and prevented having to worry about a third strike from the start.
Whether you are facing your first, second, or third offense, the most important thing you can do is contact an experienced San Diego Three Strikes lawyer who will be on your side to fight your case. For more recent offenses, a qualified lawyer may argue that your charges were unwarranted. For previous felonies, there is a chance that your lawyer could successfully argue that the offenses do not qualify as “strikes” according to the law.
Sadly, there are too many people in the prison system today who are there due to a simple lapse in judgment while they were trying to turn their life around from previous convictions. Even with the minimum sentence of 25 years, these people found their lives and futures drastically altered, with their families left wondering how they would continue without them.
Don’t let the above situation become your story. As a highly experienced criminal defense lawyer in San Diego, Bradley Corbett has extensive experience with felony charges and the California Three Strikes law.
Call Anytime, Day or Night
Bradley Corbett works tirelessly for each of his clients to make sure they get the best outcomes possible for their cases. No matter what time of the day or night you find yourself in need of help with a felony accusation, Bradley Corbett is available to assist you. He has worked with clients in courtrooms throughout the area, from Oceanside and North County to Chula Vista, Encinitas, and beyond. He knows the ins and outs of the law and has a relationship with many in the judicial system throughout the area.
Don’t let the frightening experience of facing a first, second, or third felony charge destroy your hope for the future. Contact the Law Offices of Bradley Corbett today for more information or for a free case consultation.
