What is the California three-strikes law?
“The California three‑strike law basically allows a district attorney, if you have two prior serious or violent felonies on your record, and you’re now being charged with a serious or violent felony, they allow the district attorney to charge you with those two prior convictions. Now you’d be looking at 25 years to life in prison based on that new charge.
A serious or violent felony in California is basically an elevated felony or more serious felony like robbery, carjacking, murder, attempt murder, a kidnapping. Just more serious felonies. Those convictions can affect a sentence if they charge you with a third strike, 25 to life. If you just have one prior strike, and you’re facing a new felony, they can actually double any sentence that you have. It’s mandatory state prison time.” – Criminal Defense Lawyer Philip Greenberg
California Three-Strikes Law
If you are suspected of committing a violent crime in San Bernardino or Riverside, secure experienced legal help immediately. California takes an aggressive stance against repeat offenders. Every violent crime is a strike against you. For example, the penalties will double if you have one strike against you and then become convicted of another charge.
When the stakes are high, entrust Greenberg, Greenberg & Kenyon to develop an aggressive defense strategy to protect you from your third strike. Our law firm offers more than 50 years of experience defending repeat offenders in Riverside. The defense attorneys at our firm were former district attorneys.
We have a firm understanding of California’s three strikes law. We know the right steps to take in securing your rights and mitigating any potential punishment (jail or prison).
If you have one strike on your criminal record, you will be susceptible to increased penalties if convicted in the future. Act quickly to secure your rights with an experienced San Bernardino and Riverside criminal defense attorney from our law firm. During a free initial consultation, we will address your potential penalties and your legal rights and will develop an effective defense strategy. California’s three strikes law applies to any serious or violent felony, including:
- Felony DUI conviction (with great bodily injury)
- Vehicular manslaughter
- Sex crimes
- Murder and manslaughter
- Assault and battery
- Robbery
The three strikes penalties are very severe, even if the new charges are not serious or violent felonies. Any felony charge following a violent crime (strike) will result in increased punishment, including a much longer prison sentence. We will act quickly to minimize any potential punishment by pursuing a dismissal or reduced charges.
Defense Against a Third Strike in San Bernardino and Riverside
If the initial felony charges cannot be dropped, we will still strive to have the strike allegation(s) dismissed. We will seek to illustrate why the three strikes law should not be applied against you. For example, if your prior felony conviction was more than 10 years ago, we will explain to the judge and prosecutor why your current charge(s) should not be punished under the strikes law.
We will also demonstrate your involvement in the community, your family support system, and your ability to hold a job when seeking to illustrate that you are not a career criminal. If we were able to successfully have your strikes dismissed, you will no longer face 25 years to life in prison.
Contact Greenberg, Greenberg & Kenyon, APLC today for exemplary legal representation.
