Repeat offenses are considered more serious criminal acts. Hence, penalties related to succeeding offenses are often much harsher.
California's three-strike law is in place to heavily punish repeat offenses. Not to mention, crimes committed and litigated in other states will still count as a strike under California law, as a pattern of repeat offenders is the main focus of the three strike law.
That said, what usually happens to the subsequent repeat offenses? Let's look at what could happen on second and third offenses of felonies, as experienced and handled by our prescreened California Criminal Defense Attorneys.
What Crimes Qualify Under California Three Strikes Law?
It can be helpful to get ready for what's to come by understanding whether the offense for which you have been charged is a strike offense or not.
The following serious felonies committed in Los Angeles can be counted as strikes:
- Drug sales to minors
- Grand theft while armed
- Robbery
- First-degree burglary
- Any crime involving the use of a firearm or the direct infliction of serious bodily harm
On the other hand, violent felonies that count as strikes include:
- Extortion
- Carjacking
- Kidnapping
- Arson
- Forceful oral copulation
- Rape
- Murder or voluntary manslaughter
Keep in mind that the three-strikes legislation also applies to some juvenile offenders. However, for the offense to be classified as a strikes offense, the juvenile must be 16 years old or older. Also, note that if an offense satisfies California's definition of a serious or violent offense, it may be included as a prior strike. Furthermore, you may receive two or more strikes during a single court case.
So, you must speak with prescreened California Criminal Defense Attorneys to help you make the proper steps, preserve your case, and ensure you get the best outcome possible.
What Happens On The 3rd Strike?
The current penalty is likely to be life in prison or 25 years in jail if your first, second, and third felonies were all serious or violent. However, the sentence may alter if the latest offense is neither violent nor serious while the first two were. Only the judge could increase the regular number of years given for the crime.
Even when the third violation is not serious or violent, some exclusions may result in life in prison or 25 years. This may occur when:
- The goal in committing the third offense was to seriously harm someone.
- A gun was involved in committing the third strike.
- The defendant has to register as a sex offender on the third offense.
- A specific quantity of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, or other related narcotics is involved in the third crime.
Talk to a California criminal defense lawyer if you're unsure about what might occur in your situation. They could offer guidance on the possibilities and devise strategies to improve the results using their experience.
What Happens On The 2nd Strike?
Even if the consequences are serious, second-timers are not subject to the death penalty or a 25-year sentence. The maximum punishment for the second crime can instead be doubled. It might not last as long as what third strikers get, but it still has the potential to change your life.
Therefore, it is crucial to refrain from receiving a second felony conviction, even if your first violation was serious or violent. Our prescreened California Criminal Defense Attorneys will try their best to get you an acquittal, dismissal, or reduced charge. Keep in mind that defense choices are more varied early in a case and become less diverse as time goes on.
Get A Referral To The Best California Criminal Defense Attorneys
1000Attorneys is a certified lawyer referral service in California. We can link you up with a trusted, discipline-free, and highly-skilled prescreened California criminal defense lawyer who is the best fit to handle your unique cases.
Contact us now through our inquiry form or our 24/7 live chat feature. We can connect you with a lawyer in minutes!
0 Comments