I’m Charged With A “Strike” In California – What Should I Need To Know?
California’s Three-Strikes and You’re Out Law went into effect on March 7, 1994. It targets repeat offenders, and dramatically increases punishment for persons convicted of a felony who have previously been convicted of one or more “serious” or “violent” felonies. Under the law, any new felony may be punished pursuant to the Three-Strikes law if a person has one or more “serious” or “violent” felony priors. Serious or violent felonies include residential burglary, robbery, kidnapping, murder, most sex offenses, any offense in which a weapon was personally used or great bodily injury was inflicted or arson.
A person convicted of any new felony who has one “strike” prior will be ineligible for probation, and will receive twice the sentence otherwise prescribed for the new offense. However, when a person has two or more prior strike convictions, he or she will face a minimum of 25-years-to-life in prison, and will be ineligible for good behavior or work credit. Nonetheless, pursuant to a motion filed by defense counsel, the sentencing court may find that the defendant’s second or third strike fall outside the “spirit” of the Three-Strikes Law. In such circumstances, the court may strike or dismiss one or more prior felony convictions.
Call Wallin & Klarich Today
If you have a prior “strike” conviction and facing new felony charges, you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney to vigorously represent you. At Wallin & Klarich, we have helped people dismiss prior “strike” convictions for over 40 years.
With offices located in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich federal attorney available to help you no matter where you work or live.
Call our offices at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will get through this together.
