{"id":10578,"date":"2024-01-23T08:35:34","date_gmt":"2024-01-23T16:35:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/strongestdefense.com\/?p=10578"},"modified":"2024-01-23T08:35:34","modified_gmt":"2024-01-23T16:35:34","slug":"three-strikes-youre-out-a-comprehensive-overview-of-californias-three-strike-sentencing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/strongestdefense.com\/blog\/three-strikes-youre-out-a-comprehensive-overview-of-californias-three-strike-sentencing\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Strikes You’re Out: A Comprehensive Overview Of California’s Three Strike Sentencing"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over 30 years ago, the loss of two young lives shook a number of people in California and across the U.S. The impact of these terrible events, fueled by the people of California\u2019s urge for justice, played a pivotal role in forming a law that has molded California\u2019s justice system since the 90s. <\/span><\/p>\n

This blog aims to provide a comprehensive overview of California\u2019s Three Strikes law, as well as delve into the historical roots, including the incidents that led to the enactment of the law. Should you face criminal conviction at any point, it\u2019s essential to enlist the help of a seasoned criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. <\/span><\/p>\n

History Of The Law<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 1992, Kimber Reynolds<\/span><\/a> (18 years old) was approached outside of a restaurant by men on a motorbike (both of which were repeat offenders) who attempted to take her purse.<\/p>\n

“Then one of the men \u2014 without warning, literally, without provocation \u2014 pulled out a .357 Magnum, which is one of the most powerful handguns in the world, and placed it in her ear and pulled the trigger,” Reynolds says. “Executed her on the spot.” It may have sounded like an idle promise at the time, but I promised her that if I could do anything to prevent this from happening to other kids, I would do everything I could. And I’m still trying to keep that promise today.\u2019 – Mike Reynolds.\u201d (NPR, 2009)<\/em><\/p>\n

Kimber died in the hospital 26 hours later.<\/p>\n

Over a year later, Polly Klaas<\/span><\/a>, a 12-year-old girl was abducted from her home. A nationwide search began and her body was found two months later in a wooded area. She died of strangulation. Richard Allen Davis (an ex-con with a history of alcohol\/drug abuse who was also on parole for a previous kidnapping) was charged<\/span><\/a> with first-degree murder with \u201cfour special circumstances\u201d including robbery, burglary, kidnapping, and attempted lewd act on a child. All of which made him eligible for the death penalty.<\/p>\n

These tragic murders are known to have prompted the enactment of the \u201cThree Strikes and You\u2019re Out\u201d law<\/span><\/a> to \u201ckeep murderers, rapists, and child molesters behind bars, where they belong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding The Law<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Three Strikes law<\/span><\/a> was created to increase prison sentences of those convicted of a felony who\u2019ve already committed and been convicted of a violent\/serious felony. It makes it difficult for an offender to receive a punishment other than a prison sentence. State law lists the following as violent and serious offenses<\/span><\/a> thus counting as a \u201cstrike\u201d:<\/p>\n