5 CRUCIAL FACTS ABOUT CALIFORNIA’S THREE STRIKES LAW & ITS REAL IMPACT
INTRODUCTION TO CALIFORNIA’S THREE STRIKES LAW Enacted in 1994 to impose harsher penalties on repeat offenders Applies to serious or violent felonies – murder, rape, robbery, arson, etc. Designed as a deterrent but remains rigid and controversial
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CORE STRUCTURE OF THE LAW 1st Strike: Conviction for a serious felony → no mandatory enhancement 2nd Strike: Conviction doubles the usual sentence 3rd Strike: Any serious felony → 25‑to‑life prison sentence, regardless of severity
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REFORMS: PROPOSITION 36 & 47 Prop 36 (2012): Third strike must be serious or violent; retroactive sentence reviews allowed Prop 47 (2014): Downgraded certain nonviolent felonies to misdemeanors, reducing strike eligibility
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CRITICISM & CONTROVERSY Disproportionately affects minorities and disadvantaged communities Cases include life sentences for minor offenses (e.g., pizza theft) Critics argue it prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation, leads to overcrowding, and inflates costs
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IMPACT & LEGAL DEFENSE STRATEGIES Prosecutors retain discretion over strike designations Defense tactics include: 1. Challenging strike eligibility 2. Negotiating plea deals 3. Filing Romero motions to dismiss prior strikes 4. Pursuing appeals for unfair sentencing
Ongoing debate: deterrence vs. fairness & rehabilitation
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FACING A POTENTIAL STRIKE? PROTECT YOUR FUTURE — GET EXPERIENCED LEGAL HELP TODAY Adress: 2150 1st Avenue, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92101 Email:
[email protected] Call: (619) 525-7005 Visit: Law Office Of Vikas Bajaj, APC
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