Long Beach Three Strikes Attorneys
With offices all over California, The Law Offices of Joseph Hawkins Low has a long history of successfully handling many areas of law with a firm dedication to protecting people's rights. Joseph Hawkins Low IV is a trial attorney with experience in defending clients nationwide and has the reputation as a tough courtroom attorney and successful legal strategist. Contact our office today to discuss your case with one of our knowledgeable South Bay three strike defense lawyers.
The "Three Strike Law" in California, passed in 1994, can mean a third offense, even a misdemeanor, can send you to prison for a minimum of 25 years. The controversy over this law stems from the fact that it is possible to spend the rest of your life in prison over a third offense, even it is simply stealing a loaf of bread. Often difficult to understand, this law can be broken down as follows:
- If you have previously been convicted for committing 2 serious felonies (strikes); and
- If you are convicted for committing a third offense (possibly a misdemeanor)
- You may be sentenced to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison and a maximum of life.
A strike may include those convictions committed before the 1994 passing date of the "three strike law," any conviction from other states, all federal convictions and possibly those convictions committed as a juvenile. When adding up the "strikes" against you, the court has the power to bump up a misdemeanor charge to a "strike" when your previous felonies are revealed.
Some examples of strike crimes in California are as follows:
- Arson
- Murder
- Rape
- Kidnapping
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Home Invasion
- Drug Trafficking
- Armed Robbery
- Bank Robbery
- Any attempted felony that would carry a life sentence in prison
For a complete list, please refer to the California penal code, sections 1192.7. ( c ) and 667.5. ( c ).
In addition, certain felonies committed by juveniles over the age of 16 are also strikes. These felonies are essentially the same as listed above. For a complete description of juvenile strikes, please refer to the California Welfare and Institutions code, section 707 (b)
The "three strike law" demands that anyone facing a third "strike" employ an experienced Long Beach criminal attorney for his or her defense. Any "strike," past or present; can be successfully argued to not be a "strike." No matter how minor the crime may be, the court has the right to determine it a felony and, therefore, a third "strike." With the right trial attorney, you can avoid a 25 year to life sentence.
A good trial attorney may be your only defense against the "three strike law." Each "strike" must be challenged and argued in court. The current charge must be vigorously defended to prevent a third "strike" conviction.
