California Lawmakers Reject Opposition of Juvenile Three Strikes Law

In Sacramento, California, lawmakers recently rejected a proposal that would give juveniles a "pass" under California's Three Strikes law.  The law automatically calls for people who are convicted there or more times to be given an enhanced sentence.

Last Thursday, the Assembly denied the measure with a 28 - 35 vote.  The bill would have changed existing legislature so a criminal's juvenile conviction would not be counted against him/her if he/she was convicted as an adult.

According to Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, a San Francisco Democrat who authored AB1751, too many juveniles are not given a jury trial.  Instead, they are coerced into pleading guilty and accepting a sentence.  On the opposite side of the spectrum, Republicans say that criminal offenders must accept the consequence of their actions.

If you have been charged with a major juvenile crime, and you would like to fight your charges, your best option is to find a criminal defense lawyer that handles cases for minors.