Three Strike Cases – CPC 1170.12

The Three Strikes Law, which was first enacted in the ’90s, is a method of sentencing that adds a considerable amount of time to the prison sentences of certain repeat felons.  Any individual who is convicted of a “strike” offense as enumerated in California’s Penal Code will be subject to an enhanced penalty that will essentially double the individual’s prison term and lower his or her conduct credits, among other things.  However, any Los Angeles three strikes lawyer will tell you that the key aspect of this law that is quite troubling to many is that an individual who has two strike offenses are subject to a mandatory 25-to-life prison term if he or she commits an additional felony.

Any Felony Is a Strike

The law has been debated by many because a “strike” sentence can be activated by any felony conviction, even for a nonviolent offense, and that person will have to serve a long sentence for convictions that range from receiving stolen property to possession of a controlled substance in addition to more serious offenses like kidnapping and murder.

Additionally, contrary to what comes to mind when you hear the phrase “three strikes,” California’s law specifically targets both second and third strikers alike.  In particular, the law implements additional punitive measures, such as the elimination of an individual getting probation, as well as limiting an individual’s ability to earn custody credits while incarcerated.

Changes to the Law

Your Los Angeles three strikes lawyer might also inform you of the fact that the laws have been amended and updated in certain areas.  For example, for a second strike offense, if an individual has committed one prior serious or violent felony, if that person is convicted of any new felony, the penalty will be twice the term normally called for under the law for the new conviction.

Moreover, for individuals who have been previously convicted of two or more serious or violent felonies, the sentence for any new felony conviction will be life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years.  Further, the law calls for sentences to be served consecutively, as opposed to concurrently, if the individual has been convicted of multiple offenses, and there is no limit to the number of felonies that can be included in an individual’s consecutive sentence.

A Los Angeles Three Strikes Lawyer Can Help

Any felony conviction can have devastating consequences, but the three-strikes law makes them even worse. You can face life imprisonment even for a non-violent crime. If you are concerned about how this law might affect you and your situation, and you believe that you need a Los Angeles three strikes lawyer, please call Daniel Cota at 800-351-6860 for a free consultation.