Ventura Inmates Wondering When New Third-Strikes Law will Act in their Favor

The controversial California "Three Strikes Law" was originally passed in 1996 and mandated that repeat offenders of felony offenses could receive severe prison sentences of 25 years to life if they were convicted of a third felony. The law also included enhancements to sentences for a convicted felon who was facing a second felony conviction. The result of the Third Strike law was that some individuals who were convicted of a non-violent offense such as felony drug possession or grand theft were punished much more severely than someone who was convicted of a first time felony crime such as rape, armed robbery or aggravated assault. In answer to this disparity and the unconstitutional ("cruel and unusual punishment") aspects of the Third Strike law, a ballot measure, Proposition 36, was presented in the 2012 election which would modify this law in certain cases involving non-violent third offenses. Proposition 36 won a majority vote in every California county but eligible inmates facing lengthy sentences after a conviction for a non-violent third offenses are wondering when the changes will work in their favor.

If you are serving a sentence after a third felony conviction but feel that your sentencing should be reviewed under the new laws then consult with a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Recent information shows that five months after the modifications to the Three Strikes law only 16 percent of the nearly 3,000 California inmates who are eligible for resentencing have actually received a new sentence. The percentage of resentenced inmates varies dramatically by county. The process for petitioning resentencing is a slow one as prosecutors oppose some of the petitions despite an individual inmate's qualification for a reduced sentence. The more complicated or highly contested cases will require court hearings and for some inmates the process may feel like they are going through their whole conviction all over again.

Charged with an alleged third-strike offense?

While progress is being made to make the Three Strikes law more sensible to specific circumstances of the individual charged, being accused of committing a felony is a serious matter regardless of specifics. It is crucial that you have a defender on your side aggressively fighting the charges you are faced with. Contact the Law Offices of Douglas H. Ridley today to schedule a time to discuss your case with a legal professional you can trust. We are dedicated to getting our clients the best outcome possible!