Third Strike Penalties in San Diego

Consequences of a Third Strike: How a San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

Third strike penalties under California's "three strikes law" are the most devastating to your life and future. Per the system in place, when you already have two strikes on your record and a third felony conviction takes place, you will automatically be sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Faced with this potential outcome, it is more important you have the help of a skilled San Diego criminal defense attorney. For third strike penalties to apply, the second and third strikes do not need to be violent or serious felonies, as does the first. It is therefore possible that you receive a prison sentence of 25 to life for stealing a loaf of bread, as petit theft can at times be charged as a felony.

There are additional regulations that make the "three strikes law" even more severe. A judge is specifically prohibited from allowing alternative sentencing and you are not eligible for parole. You must also serve at least 80% of your prison sentence, no matter how many sentence credits you earn. Judges are also required to take into account convictions that in other circumstances would be too old to count in any sentencing minimums or guidelines.

Criminal Defense in San Diego County

Superior Law Center is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so that you will never be stranded when you are in need of urgent legal help. If you are arrested for a felony and it is your third strike, exercise your right to remain silent and contact us right away. We will guide your case with energy and determination from the outset and review its details in search of any violations or errors which could cause your case to be thrown out. This is a more common occurrence than you might expect. If this does not occur in your case, we may be able to negotiate to have your charge reduced to a misdemeanor and thus save you from 25 to life in prison if convicted. Ultimately, we will aggressively and relentlessly pursue an acquittal. With over 10 years of criminal defense experience, we have helped clients with over 1000 cases and are dedicated to doing so.

Contact a San Diego criminal defense lawyer if you are facing the serious consequences of a third strike penalty.