What is the Three Strikes law in California?
One problem the criminal justice system faces is how to deal with repeat offenders. In order to handle these offenders, the state of California uses a “three strikes” system.Proposition 184In 1994, California voters approved Proposition 184. This proposition is now the “three strikes” law.Second StrikeThe three strikes law did not change sentencing for first-time offenders. But second-time offenders now receive a sentence equal to twice that of a first-time offender.Third StrikeCalifornia’s three strikes law states that anyone convicted of a third serious or violent felony shall receive a minimum prison sentence of 25 years to life. A prior felony may count as a strike no matter how long ago it was. Multiple third-strike convictions are possible, and each sentence runs consecutively. So two, 25-year third-strike convictions equal 50 years total in prison.Parole and Early ReleasePrisoners serving sentences may not receive parole on a third-strike offense. They also may not reduce their
