Three Strikes Law in Santa Monica

What is the Three Strikes Law?

Our state's "three strikes" law is a method of sentencing habitual criminal offenders to increasing amounts of prison time for each new felony committed. While this law has rightfully put a number of violent offenders behind bars, it is also possesses significant flaws. Examples of these flaws include:

• The law can be utilized for any felony, regardless of whether or not it is violent in nature
• The law can be utilized in a way that violates the Eighth Amendment, which guards against cruel and unusual punishment
• The law can lead to extremely disproportionate sentencing for a crime, such as a years-long prison sentence for someone convicted of shoplifting
• The law allows little to no room for the offender's rehabilitation
• The law has not resulted in any demonstrable reduction in criminal activity

If you are faced with substantial prison time due to the three strikes law, it is to your benefit to contact a Santa Monica criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can provide you with vigorous defense in your case that may allow you to avoid a conviction and the severe penalties that come as a result.