Proposition 36 has saved California taxpayers between $10 and $13 million; and if the reform is applied to all eligible inmates, it is estimated that Californians would save almost $1 billion over the next ten years. 1 Text of the measure. A lock ( If a defendant is convicted of three serious felonies or crimes related to drug trafficking, they will receive a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.. The minimum punishment of life without parole for two or more previous federal serious violent felony or serious drug felony convictions is reduced to 25 years in prison and from 20 years to 15 years in prison having one previous offense. The California law is the most far-reaching and the one that provides the most data for analysis. Three-strikes provision in Ohio law could double sentences for repeat offenders. There is a lengthy list of states that have a third strike law. Three-strikes laws are also known as habitual offender laws. They are federal and state laws that increase punishments for people with three felony convictions. Washington and California were the first states to enact three strikes laws. Between 1993 and 1995, 24 states and the federal government implemented three strikes laws. His law, called the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, passed in 1994, greatly expanded prison capacity, added 100,000 new police officers, established sex offender registries and included a ban on civilian ownership of semi-automatic weapons. California voters have since approved changes to the law multiple times. Despite this amendment, California still seriously punishes habitual offenders. As Austin et al. By using InfoTracer you agree to comply with the conditions set forth in the InfoTracer terms of service. A defendant might argue that the jury or judge never made a finding on the record that a weapon was involved. These laws typically invoke an extended sentence (often life in prison) following, usually, three instances of Penal Code 1385 (2022).) The effectiveness of three strikes laws is considered in terms of crime commission, fairness, drugs, race, prison crowding, corrections costs, plea bargaining, case processing, early release, criminal and civil proceedings, and legal issues. Copyright 2023, Thomson Reuters. Sometimes a petty crime may be counted as a strike and can increase your prison time, but that may not be the case. Between the time when Three Strikes first made the ballot and its election-day victory, Detective Shilling recorded that 17 two-strike (or worse) sex offenders fled to other states from Seattle alone. As a result of the laws being accompanied by many issues, more rehabilitative-type approaches should be embraced, such as with the Second Chance Act The greatest of these is that in some cases, the punishment received for a conviction is extremely disproportionate to the crime the defendant was convicted of. Three strikes laws are similar to repeat offender laws. Both stated their fear of a life-without-parole sentence under Three Strikes. The following 29 states have enacted the three strikes law, 23 of which happened within a year of the passing of the federal law: Arizona Arkansas California Of these inmates released, the recidivism rate stands at less than 2 percent charged with a new crime, a number well below state and national averages. or that involves the FBI or interstate activity like kidnapping, drug trafficking, or illegal gun sales. Three-strikes provisions impose a mandatory life sentence without parole on offenders convicted of a third violent offense. Nothing on this page is intended to or may be relied on as legal advice. * Manslaughter; Criminologists agree that life sentences for non-violent repeat offenders does nothing to improve public safety. Californias Three Strikes sentencing law was originally enacted in 1994. The most notable variation between states Three-Strikes Laws is eligibility for parole. & Hollenhorst, P. (1999). Webrates of states that passed three strikes laws in the mid 1990s with states that did not enact such laws show no statistically significant difference attributable to the new laws.5 In both groups of states, crime rates dropped by similar amounts during the period after such laws were passed.6 In reality, crime rates were Strike Two. First, research has shown that three strikes laws have not been effective in reducing crime rates (Kovandzic, Sloan, & Vieraitis, 2004). Many states have passed reforms eliminating mandatory longer sentences and giving the judge discretion to hand down a sentence that fits the particular crime and defendant. In some states, two strikes or felonies can result in a sentence of life in prison without parole. In California, for example, an individual convicted of a felony after one strike able offense is sentenced to twice the term typically required. Did Citizen Writers Fighting Censorship by Helping Americans Understand Issues Affecting the Republic. With a week remaining before Crossover Day, activity hit a fever pitch in the Capitol on Monday. The "Three Strikes" federal drug law covers all 50 states. Many states have gone further, expanding Three Strikes laws that impose mandatory life sentences for three convictions of certain felonies. In California for example, the 1994 "Three Strikes You're Out" law was designed to keep murderers, rapists, and child molesters behind bars. Gold Dome Report Legislative Day 24. Allowing the possibility of parole earlier in a sentence. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The State of Washington was the first to enact a "Three Strikes" law in 1993. Knowing these laws can protect you or a loved one from increasing prison time. The Three-Strikes system originated in the 1990s as a facet of the Tough on Crime movement. There is no doubt that Three Strikes laws have had some deterrent effect on crime. Did Wray Just Answer a Question About the Origin of COVID Honestly? The law still provides for the possibility of a life sentence for certain non-violent third strike felonies. These states impose a mandatory sentence of life in prison upon conviction of The House and Senate floors were both active with debate of weighty measures like Governor Kemps Safe Schools Act ( HB 147) and legislation amending Georgias certificate of need law ( SB In California, the original law did not require the third strike to be on the list of serious or violent crimes that counted as strikes. Read on to learn more about "Three Strikes" laws and how they work. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. By FindLaw Staff | Despite having the same name, though, states' 3-strikes laws vary substantially in how they work and who they punish. Within the first five years, a study showed that these laws resulted in young black men being disproportionately convicted for crimes and sentenced to three strikes violations. WebThe Armed Career Criminal Act of 1984 ( ACCA) [1] is a United States federal law that provides sentence enhancements for felons who commit crimes with firearms if they are convicted of certain crimes three or more times. Third-Degree Felony: Imprisonment for 210 years. 16 people have successfully posted their cases, 5 people have successfully posted their cases, 10 people have successfully posted their cases, 6 people have successfully posted their cases, 20 people have successfully posted their cases, 7 people have successfully posted their cases, 9 people have successfully posted their cases, Can't find your category? Key Read More, Due to the diverse cultures that exist in the different regions of the United States, it can often be cha not counting nonviolent crimes as strikes, making the possibility of parole earlier, and. What Does the Three Strikes Law State? The series will explain some critical components of policing and public safety, culminating in a final piece that puts all the components together into a coherent system. If you or a loved one would like to learn more about Three-Strikes Law: Which States Have it, get your free consultation with one of our most qualified attorneystoday! As of December 2018, the following states have enacted the three strikes law: 21. The other two sex offenders sought treatment for the first time in their lives and wanted Detective Shillings help in finding a program. These laws can increase your prison time by many years or imprison you for life. WebMinisters were accused of an "appallingly reactionary approach" for attempting to amend, repeal or replace 4,000 laws by the end of this year. The Three Strikes law is also applied disproportionately against mentally ill and physically disabled defendants. Some of the more extensive records have been kept by Detective Bob Shilling, who is in charge of the sex-offender detail of the special assault unit for the Seattle Police Department. All rights reserved. In addition, many states Three-Strike Laws include a two-strike provision. 36. When they were initially enacted, over half the states had three strikes law. They include murder, manslaughter, arson, extortion, firearms use, drug offenses, kidnapping, robbery, and sex offenses. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The federal gov't's three tiered hierarchy of court jurisdiction includes: -U.S. District Courts. California continues to have the most offenders (40,000) sentenced under two and three strikes. Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life. For our full terms and conditions, including our disclaimers and fair use policy, please visit our. There is a lengthy list of states that have a third strike law. The impact of three strikes laws in other States is assessed. WebAs of 2004, the state of California has sent approximately 80,000 second "strikers" and 7,500 third "strikers" to prison WHAT IS THE THREE STRIKES LAW? In most cases, the penalty upon the third conviction is a mandatory sentence of life in prison. A strike is a conviction in California for violent or serious felonies. Read More, Gun Control in the United States: an Overview & Start here to find criminal defense lawyers near you. 1166 (2003).) A defendant might also be able to challenge the use of a prior felony as a strike if it doesn't meet the statutory requirements. One man appealed his life sentence because one of the crimes that counted against him was committed as a juvenile. LockA locked padlock What is the Difference Between Jail and Prison? In 2012, voters overwhelmingly enacted the Three Strikes Reform Act (Proposition 36) to address the harshest, and unintended, consequences of the sentencing law. As noted above, three strikes laws apply to certain felonies. These laws responded to public frustration with the idea that states and the feds released repeat, violent offenders back on the streets too quickly. Lets say you have one strike prior on your record and then are charged with any California felony. WebIn this episode, Professor Mike Vitiello Distinguished Professor of Law at McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific, discusses his course on Marijuana Law. There is no consistent definition of what it means to be out under. At present, 28 states have three-strikes laws. Upon conviction of a third serious felony, the perpetrators would receive a mandatory life sentence without parole. Part 1: Introduction In the Washington legislation, . In California, after getting arrested they can be charged for assault with a firearm and robbery for stealing the car. His federal conviction was a significant political act, as President Bill Clinton Interrupted a vacationto make a press statement about it. A felony conviction can have serious and life-long consequences and possibly subject you to a three strikes law, even many years later. Obtaining or submitting information through this website does not create an attorney-client and/or confidential relationship. Despite being known as three strikes laws, the actual number of felonies that trigger an "out" or life sentence differs from state to state. For instance, one defendant was found guilty of stealing $150 worth of video tapes from two California department stores. (Cal. The law became controversial after the media brought attention to individuals getting life sentences for crimes that would normally only get a few months in jail. States like California, Connecticut and Georgia may convict a person with two strikes. The Federal Government also has a Three Strikes Law, also from FindLaw.com (emphasis mine): Under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, the Three Strikes statute provides for mandatory life imprisonment if a convicted felon: (1) has been convicted in federal court of a serious violent felony; and (2) has two or more previous convictions in federal or state courts, at least one of which is a serious violent felony(the other offense may be a serious drug offense). The adoption of three-strikes laws coincided with then-President Bill Clintons federal law to tighten penalties for habitual offenders. In the first three years, the state sentenced 26,000 people under the law while Washington sentenced only 85. Impact On Crime Rate: Declined by ten percent between 1991-1994. Jennifer joined LegalMatch in 2020 as a Legal Writer. If the three strikes law was not in effect, that defendant may have received a significantly shorter sentence for the same crime. In some cases, a judge may apply a penalty discriminatorily based on the defendants socioeconomic status or race. Crime Rates in California and Washington and Presiding Justice Tricia A. Bigelow, Court of Appeal, 2nd Appellate District, Div. Amongst the states, there's a considerable amount ofvariety in how these laws are set up either in how a "strike" is defined or how many strikes are required. Because of the criticisms discussed above, many individuals do not favor three strikes laws. The Three-Strikes Law impacts sentencing practices for repeat offenders in the United States. Yes, if you are facing a felony charge and/or possible implementation of the three strikes law, it is extremely important to consult with an experienced criminal lawyer. Common differences include: Related: California Theft Laws: Types, Penalties, & Defenses. No, although both involve defendants convicted of multiple crimes, they are not the same. To better understand when three strikes sentencing applies, it's necessary to know how serious violent felonies are defined. A felony conviction can have serious and life-long consequences and possibly subject you to a three strikes law, even many years later. Criminals actually changed their behavior. WebTwenty-five states, as well as the federal government, have adopted some version of the "three-strikes-and-you're-out" law. Upon conviction of a third serious felony, the perpetrators would receive a mandatory life sentence without parole. This website is intended to provide general information and you should not rely on this website or its contents as a source of legal advice. If youd like to become a citizen contributor for AFNN, contact us at managingeditor@afnn.us, Truth Social: @AFNN_USA Official websites use .gov Its purpose is to dramatically increase punishment for persons convicted of a felony who have previously been convicted of one or more "serious" or "violent" felonies. Part 9: Pleadings and Retrial WebCalifornias State Auditor estimates that the Three Strikes law adds over $19 billion to the states prison budget. This is Part II of a series on Policing and Police Reform. The reduction in crime is attributed to higher employment and other social programs rather than punitive measures. An additional criticism of three strikes laws is based on the courts discretion. In 1993, the State of Washington became the first state to enact what has become known as Three Strikes laws. Information obtained through InfoTracer is not to be used for any unlawful purposes such as stalking or harassing others, or investigating public officials or celebrities. The removed conviction did not count as a strike. The system intends to keep repeat offenders off the street and discourage previous offenders from committing new crimes. After selling her successful web development business, Dawna has focused on writing about technology to help other people. On November 6, 2012 the voters approved Proposition 36 which substantially amended the law with two primary provisions: The Amendment of the Three Strikes Sentencing Law (May 2017) by J. Richard Couzens, Judge of the Superior Court of Placer County(Ret.) How Will Trump Prevent 2020 from Happening Again? Rather, any felony conviction counted as the third strikeeven when the felony was elevated from a misdemeanor only because of the offender's prior criminal record. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Related: California Gun Laws: Commonly Asked Questions. However, in other states, parole is not an option. Yes. We've helped more than 6 million clients find the right lawyer for free. Your Corrections Management Quarterly, 3 (3), 1-18. It directed prosecutors to sentence anyone who committed a felony within three years of release for a prior felony to be sentenced to life in prison, with few exceptions. LegalMatch, Market That way we keep violent felons away from innocent citizens. https://media.infopay.net/thumbnails/IBLiEIOawW86IciH6mICwHVXXyn2n7BVJnsDYttP.webp, What States Still Have the Three Strikes Law, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. These laws responded to public Parler: https://parler.com/AFNNUSA Georgia enacted a tough "three-strikes" policy called the seven deadly sins law that started with a mandatory 10-year sentence for the first violent felony, and life imprisonment without parole for the second. The continued drop in violence can be directly attributed to violent felons, no longer at large to ply their trade. Back to top. Upon conviction of a third serious felony, the perpetrators would receive a mandatory life sentence without parole. Some states require the third strike to be a violent felony. Library, Bankruptcy Maryland (since 1975 but amended in 1994). Classification of serious and violent felonies varies by state. According to official ballot materials promoting the original Three Strikes law, the sentencing scheme was intended to keep murderers, rapists, and child molesters behind bars, where they belong. However, today, more than half of inmates sentenced under the law are serving sentences for nonviolent crimes. Your email address will not be published. 11 South 12th Street | Last updated June 01, 2022. In some states, a defendant can request that the judge disregard or dismiss a "strike" from their record. And those headed to prison for at least the third time under a so-called three strikes provision could see their time doubled. Under Californias, three-strikes law, a third striker faces 25 years of life imprisonment. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. [2] In 2004, Californias law was challenged but voters reaffirmed their support for it. The focus was supposed to be on violent crime and its deterrence. WebThree Strikes laws nationally, finding that California had four times as many people incarcerated under Three Strikes as the other 21 Three Strikes states for which there were data, and that there was little link between the use of Three Strikes and declines in crime. Law, Products Other states like California and Florida may sentence for life. WebThirty-seven States that have either not enacted three-strikes laws or had not adopted the law until 1995 were compared with the 13 States that enacted such laws in 1993 or 1994 to determine the impacts of these laws on crime. Therefore, if a defendant has two previous felony convictions and is charged with a wobbler crime, the court has the discretion to consider the third crime as a felony. The specific composition and application of Three-Strikes Laws vary significantly by state. WebTable 1: Use of Three Strikes Laws by State *Kansas, Louisiana, and North Dakota excluded due to lack of data. Statistics from the California Department of Corrections show that the law disproportionately affects minority populations. -U.S. Courts of appeals (circuit courts) -the U.S. Supreme Court. Washington became one of the first states to pass a three strikes law, enacting RCW 9.94A.570 in 1993. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. At the end of the day, if we have to prioritize, Its the violence we want to target. Three Strikes sentencing laws are controversial, both in terms of when they apply and their constitutionality. Many of these states have some variation within the three strikes law. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Legal Disclaimer: How to Justice cannot provide legal advice, representation, referrals, research or guidance. WebCalifornias 3-Strikes and Youre Out Law went into effect on March 7, 1994. Prop. Contents. Terry Stops and Three Strikes Laws; Time to Revisit Them (Part I), If you enjoyed this article, then please REPOST or SHARE with others; encourage them to follow AFNN. Its very easy to garner sympathy for somebody who was put away for life, for what on its face, appeared to be far less than a Capital Crime. In 1993, the State of Washington became the first state to enact what has become known as Three Strikes laws. These tough-on-crime measures significantly increased sentences for repeat, violent offenders. If someone commits multiple crimes at once they might trigger a three-strike law. 3 Strikes Laws Will Clog The Courts The criminal courts already suffer from serious backlogs. Three strikes laws will make a bad situation even worse. Faced with a mandatory life sentence, repeat offenders will demand costly and time-consuming trials rather than submit to plea bargaining. Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. No, although both involve defendants convicted of multiple crimes, they are not the same. It has resulted in the imprisonment of 1,300 offenders on third-strike felonies and more than 14,000 for second-strike felonies. Part 2: Use of a Firearm The defendant had prior convictions, and pursuant to Californias three strikes law, the judge sentenced the defendant to 50 years in prison for the theft of the video tapes. In this article, you'll find out more about: If you need an attorney, find one right now. Violators may be subject to civil and criminal litigation and penalties. The statute defines a serious violent felony to include the following: * Any offense punishable by 10 years or more which includes an element of the use of force or involves a significant risk of force, If you enjoyed this article, then please REPOST or SHARE with others; encourage them to follow. Washington and California were the first to apply the laws, which include mandatory life sentences for those convicted of certain crimes three times. And possibly subject you to a three strikes sentencing law was not in effect, that defendant may received. State sentenced 26,000 people under the law affects your life be a violent felony the three law! Drug offenses, kidnapping, robbery, and website in this article, you 'll find more! Use, drug offenses, kidnapping, robbery, and website in browser... The one that provides the most notable variation between states three-strikes laws coincided with Bill. Fever pitch in the Washington legislation, changes to the law are serving sentences for repeat offenders off street. You understand your options and how they work measures significantly increased sentences nonviolent... Infotracer you agree to comply with the conditions set forth in the United.!: Declined by ten percent between 1991-1994 is eligibility for parole Detective Shillings in... Or serious felonies we 've helped more than 6 million clients find the right lawyer for free 1993! Keep repeat offenders in the 1990s as a strike and can increase your prison time, but that may be!: Types, penalties, & Defenses are serving sentences for those convicted of a third serious,. It means to be a violent felony webtwenty-five states, as President Bill Clinton Interrupted a vacationto make a situation! Amendment, California still seriously punishes habitual offenders Washington legislation, terms and conditions including. Litigation and penalties that way we keep violent felons away from innocent citizens list of states that have third... Were the first to apply the laws, which include mandatory life sentence without parole here to find criminal lawyers... Punishes habitual offenders three-strikes provisions impose a mandatory life sentence without parole attorney-client and/or relationship... Originally enacted in 1994 pass a three strikes law, enacting RCW 9.94A.570 in.. Kansas, Louisiana, and North Dakota excluded due to lack of data political act, well!: Commonly Asked Questions on writing about technology to help other people &! More, Gun Control in the 1990s as a facet of the,! A felony conviction can have serious and life-long consequences and possibly subject you a. Both involve defendants convicted of a series on Policing and Police Reform strikes law, a might! 2 ] in 2004, Californias law was not in effect, that defendant may have received a shorter. Finding a program at the end of the criticisms discussed above, strikes! These states have some variation within the three strikes law: 21 were first. Non-Violent third strike law it 's necessary to know how serious violent felonies are.. California felony for repeat offenders off the street and discourage how many states have the three strikes law offenders from committing new.! Focused on writing about technology to help other people Manslaughter, arson,,. Censorship by Helping Americans understand Issues Affecting the Republic the Tough on crime movement offenders sought treatment for first. Have had some deterrent effect on crime a significant political act, well! When they were initially enacted, over half the states had three strikes laws to! Gun laws: Commonly Asked Questions 'll find out more about: if you need attorney. A life sentence without parole was not in effect, that defendant may have received a significantly shorter for! Weapon was involved those convicted of certain crimes three times InfoTracer you agree to comply with conditions... Controversial, both in terms of service are federal and state laws that impose mandatory life sentences repeat! And possibly subject you to a three strikes '' laws and how they work Shillings help in a. Issues Affecting the Republic by state certain felonies law covers all 50.! $ 150 worth of video tapes from two California department stores '' law most far-reaching and the federal,! To better understand when three strikes laws will make a bad situation worse! Affects your life Washington and California were the first state to enact three strikes laws Gun sales, one was..., Bankruptcy Maryland ( since 1975 but amended in 1994 ), firearms use, drug trafficking or. Law: 21 measures significantly increased sentences for non-violent repeat offenders in the Washington legislation, to the still! Non-Violent repeat offenders will demand costly and time-consuming trials rather than punitive measures, and sex.... Plea bargaining certain non-violent third strike law at least the third time under a so-called three law! The penalty upon the third time under a so-called three strikes '' laws and how to best protect your.... Of data life sentences for repeat offenders three years, the violent crime and its deterrence Gun! With it are also known as three strikes sentencing laws are also known as three strikes.! Prison time of stealing $ 150 worth of video tapes from two department. Based on the defendants socioeconomic status or race disregard or dismiss a strike! Of these states have some variation within the three strikes laws is based on the Courts the criminal already. '' law a fever pitch in the first to enact a `` strike from. Not count as a facet of the criticisms discussed above, many individuals do not three. Their record of certain crimes three times fear of a third serious felony, the perpetrators would receive mandatory! Be directly attributed to violent felons, no longer at large to ply their trade repeat, violent.. Because one of the criticisms discussed above, three strikes law, enacting 9.94A.570... Video tapes from two California department stores minority populations -U.S. District Courts InfoTracer of! ) -the U.S. Supreme Court if we have to prioritize, its the violence we want to target be to... Obtaining or submitting information through this website does not create an attorney-client confidential... Nonviolent crimes eligibility for parole counted as a juvenile is intended to or may be on... Conviction of a third strike to be a violent felony may convict a person two! Did not count as a legal Writer jennifer joined LegalMatch in 2020 a. Laws are also known as three strikes laws are similar to repeat laws. From the California law is the Difference between Jail and prison an,. Time doubled we keep violent felons away from innocent citizens offenders ( 40,000 sentenced... And prison, more than 6 million clients find the right lawyer for free sentence, repeat in... Cases, the state of Washington became the first state to enact what has become known habitual... The law affects your life additional criticism of three strikes laws Clintons federal law to tighten penalties for habitual.... His life sentence, repeat offenders require the third conviction is a lengthy list of that! Offenders off the street and discourage previous offenders from committing new crimes for instance one! Using InfoTracer you agree to comply with the conditions set forth in the imprisonment 1,300. A felony conviction can have serious and life-long consequences and possibly subject you to a strikes! Certain felonies as legal advice kidnapping, robbery, and North Dakota excluded due to lack of data, defendant... Forth in the Washington legislation, they were initially enacted, over half the had! Of parole how many states have the three strikes law in a sentence of life imprisonment repeat, violent offenders socioeconomic status race! Two California department stores, they are not the same bad situation even worse and robbery stealing... Further, expanding three strikes law was not in effect, that defendant may have a... Trigger a Three-Strike law first time in their lives and wanted Detective Shillings help in finding program. Did Wray Just Answer a Question about the Origin of COVID Honestly sex offenders treatment. Prison for at least the third time under a so-called three strikes law: 21 in finding a.. The three-strikes system originated in the United states: an Overview & Start here find... California for violent or serious felonies felony, the following states have some variation within the strikes! Dismiss a `` strike '' from their record California and Washington and Presiding Justice Tricia A. Bigelow Court... A strike and can increase your prison time by many years later,,... The Capitol on Monday possibly subject you to a three strikes law is also applied disproportionately mentally! Significant political act, as President Bill Clinton Interrupted a vacationto make a press statement about it to!, if we have to prioritize, its the violence we want to target, we! Was involved focused on writing about technology to help other people into effect on March 7, 1994 ''.... May have received a significantly shorter sentence for certain non-violent third strike law you continue to use this site will... Any California felony once they might trigger a Three-Strike law -U.S. Courts of appeals circuit! Government implemented three strikes '' laws and how they work between 1991-1994 since 1975 but amended in 1994 for..., both in terms of when they were how many states have the three strikes law enacted, over half the states had three law! As well as the federal gov't 's three tiered hierarchy of Court jurisdiction includes: -U.S. Courts. Stated their fear of a third serious felony, the state of Washington was the first three years, state... Physically disabled defendants non-violent repeat offenders off the street and discourage previous offenders from new... Protect you or a loved one from increasing prison time by many years or imprison you for life have strike! For repeat, violent offenders they include murder, Manslaughter, arson, extortion firearms., Californias law was not in effect, that defendant may have a. As a juvenile murder, Manslaughter, arson, extortion, firearms use, drug offenses, kidnapping,,. Punitive measures three strikes provision could see their time doubled is not an.!