Three Strikes

Santa Cruz, California, Three Strikes

California's three-strikes law states that a suspect with two prior convictions for serious or violent felonies faces 25 years to life in prison for any future felony conviction. Examples of resulting injustices, where a minor offense results in an extraordinarily harsh sentence, abound. The following stories are true and typical*:

A man was sentenced to 27 years to life for stealing a spare tire, sentencing of the petty theft conviction as a third strike based on nine and twenty-three year-old convictions for residential burglary.

A man was sentenced to 25 years to life for possession, sentencing based on two convictions for residential burglary eighteen years earlier.

If someone you know faces three-strikes sentencing because of earlier convictions, it is extremely important to talk to a criminal law attorney with experience in three-strikes cases. Contact our Santa Cruz law office to speak with attorney Lisa K. McCamey. She has successfully helped clients who were at risk of enhanced penalties for third strikes.

Where appropriate, Ms. McCamey can file a motion asking the court to use its discretion to eliminate the prior strike(s), resulting in a lower sentence for the client. Alternatively, the prior alleged "strike(s)" may not be strike offenses at all, depending on the specific facts of the conviction, what state or jurisdiction the conviction occurred in, and other circumstances. A careful examination of the records of the alleged prior strike offenses may be necessary to make this determination.

If someone you know has previous convictions for serious or violent felonies such as residential burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, murder, attempted murder , or any crime involving violence, it is extremely important to consult with a lawyer with experience in three-strikes cases immediately if that person is arrested or charged with even a minor offense.

If you are arrested and have two strikes against you, call (831) 458-2889 or e-mail Santa Cruz, California, criminal defense lawyer Lisa K. McCamey.

* Families to Amend California's Three Strikes