Strike offenses are part of California's "Three Strikes" law, which is based on the concept of giving longer, more severe criminal sentences to repeat offenders. With an offender's third strike, he or she is facing 25 years to life in prison. Anna R. Yum represents individuals who are dealing with first, second or third strike offenses.
Twenty-five Years to Life for a Third Strike
The seriousness of strike offenses cannot be overstated. It's bad enough to be convicted of one felony. A second and third conviction will not only add up to life in prison; they increase the possible penalties in a cumulative manner.
For example, if you already have a strike offense conviction, the next/second strike offense can result in a sentence that is double the penalties for that offense. In addition, whereas a first strike offense can result in an individual serving only 50% of the sentence, a second strike requires an individual to serve 85% of the criminal sentence. On a third strike, the penalty increases to a sentence of 25 years to life in a state prison.
What Counts as a Strike Offense?
Strike offenses are generally more serious or violent crimes and include offenses such as:
- murder, voluntary manslaughter, attempted murder
- rape
- a lewd or lascivious act on a child under the age of 14 years
- several types of assault
- arson
- robbery
- first-degree burglary
- kidnapping
- criminal or terrorist threats
- intimidating a witness (under certain circumstances)
- grand theft involving a firearm
- carjacking
Contact the Law Offices of Anna R. Yum
In light of the complexity of the three-strikes law and the unique circumstances of each case, an individual who is facing a strike offense needs a very experienced and knowledgeable defense criminal lawyer. Contact the Law Offices of Anna R. Yum today to arrange a no-commitment, no-cost consultation.