Three Strike Crime Lawyers in San Diego

How Does the "Three Strikes" System Work?

In the state of California, certain crimes are more heavily punished under the Three Strikes Law. The law was put into place in 1994 with the goal of keeping violent offenders off the streets. Since that time, the law has been controversial and has created many problems in the criminal justice system.

Essentially, any person who has been convicted of a violent felony and then is convicted of second or third violent crime can face 25 years to life in prison. If you have been charged with a crime that is classified as a strike, contact our San Diego criminal defense lawyer.

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Reforms to the Three Strikes Law in California

There have been so many difficulties with various cases that the state now allows those who are currently serving to petition the court to reduce the sentence in certain cases. There have been various efforts to repeal the law, which continue to the present. A huge legal battle was won in 2012 when Prop 36 was passed, reforming the Three Strikes Law so it functioned more fairly. If you are facing charges for a violent crime and already have one or two "strikes," your legal situation is extremely dangerous. Even with the reforms in place, there is a great risk of a long prison term.

Types of three strike offenses which fall under California Penal Code 1192.7c and 667.5 include:

• Murder
• Rape
• Sexual assault
• Arson
• Violent crimes against children
• Attempted murder
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Voluntary manslaughter

This also includes any violent felony crime that results in another person suffering serious bodily injury, or any felony that could lead to the death penalty or life in prison upon conviction.

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Work With a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist in San Diego

Although the 25 years to life mandatory sentencing is no longer in place when the third crime is not a serious felony, there are still many people who are facing felony charges that could face life in prison if convicted. The danger of losing your freedom for decades or life is so serious that it is imperative that you are not railroaded by a flawed legal system. You may be innocent and are facing charges due to a case of mistaken identity. You may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, or there may have been some involvement. Whatever your situation, you need a San Diego three strike crime defense lawyer that is on your side and ready to fight. Attorney James N. Dicks has gained the credential of board certified specialist in criminal defense and is recognized as one of the most effective and successful defenders of Three Strikes Law. You can trust in him to protect your future.

He knows the laws.

"...His skillful art of negotiation kept my son out of California prison for a possible three strikes life sentence. Mr. Dicks is a criminal specialist. He KNOWS the laws..."

- Barbarash

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Let jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys Fight to Protect Your Future

Every San Diego violent crime case will require a careful and thorough investigation into the facts. You may be the victim of police misconduct or violation of rights in some aspect of the case. The justice system is extremely tough, and without a defense strategy in place, the possibility of losing your freedom is very real. Our first action is a full evaluation of all of the evidence that has led to your arrest, as well as the details of how you were arrested and exactly what took place. Defendants have rights, but these rights must be zealously protected if you hope to avoid conviction. Call our San Diego criminal defense law firm at (760) 630-2000 today.

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