The three strikes law

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If you face charges for repeated felonies, seeking effective criminal defense immediately is crucial to avert conviction under the Three Strikes law. For more than 40 years, The Law Offices of Robert J. Beles has handled criminal cases and effectively represented individuals throughout the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Area.

Purpose behind the Three Strikes law

The problem that the Three Strikes law proposed to solve was to deter and keep imprisoned California first offenders who had served prison terms, but continued to commit violent or serious felonies after release. A sweeping majority of California voters passed Proposition 184, deciding that they wanted to penalize repeat offenders under the Three Strikes law.

Three strikes law history

Various states have their own versions of the Three Strikes law. Texas first passed Three Strikes legislation in 1974, followed by Washington in 1993, and seven other states in 1994, including California.

Main aspects of California Three Strikes law

The California version of this law includes the following main points for repeat commission of serious or violent felonies:

• Second strike offense sentencing doubles the prison time served
• Third strike offense sentencing is 25 years to life
• Three strikes convicted felons may not receive probation, suspended sentences, or diversion
• No time limitation for prior felonies exists, which means felonies committed decades earlier are still considered a strike when sentencing current convictions
• Good behavior credits that convicted felons earn through work or education programs in prison may only reduce the prison term by one-fifth
• Juvenile convictions and out-of-state convictions count as strikes
• Motions to strike or dismiss prior felonies when sentencing third strike felonies are allowed in the interests of furthering justice
• In recent years appellate courts have ruled that the three strikes law is too harsh see our appeals section

Contact The Law Offices of Robert J. Beles

Our criminal lawyers have offices in Oakland, Pleasanton, Fremont, Concord and Hayward, CA and represent individuals charged with crimes throughout the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Area. To schedule a free consultation, contact us through this Web site or by phone today.