Criminal Defense for Three Strike Crimes in Los Angeles
What qualifies as a "strike"?
Getting a clear understanding of the three strikes law in California, including what crimes qualify as strikes, is important if you or someone you know has been accused of committing a
felony offense. A
Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at our law firm can provide you with information that applies to your particular case and charges. We can also answer whatever questions you may have in order to help you make the right choices about your case. In addition to calling our offices to schedule a consultation, you are welcome to review the information on this website.
California Penal Code specifically defines what "serious" or "violent" felony convictions count as strikes. This applies only to convictions for crimes committed after March 7, 1994, which is when the "Three Strikes and You're Out" law went into effect. Serious felonies are listed in California Penal Code Section 1192.7(c) and 1192.8(a). Violent felonies are listed in California Penal Code Section 667.5(c). The following are some of the offenses included in these sections:
- Any felony punishable by life in prison or the death penalty
- Any felony in which the defendant personally used a firearm or other dangerous/deadly weapon
- Any felony in which the defendant inflicted serious bodily injury on another person
- Any attempt to commit a felony punishable by life in prison or the death penalty
- Arson
- Assault with the intent to commit rape or robbery
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Assault on a peace officer
- Attempted murder
- Carjacking
- Conspiracy to commit a serious or violent felony
- Continuous sexual abuse of a child
- Criminal threats
- First degree burglary
- Grand theft of a firearm
- Intimidating or threatening a witness or victim
- Kidnapping
- Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14
- Murder
- Oral copulation by force
- Rape
- Robbery
- Shooting from a vehicle (i.e. "drive-by" shooting)
- Sodomy by force
- Voluntary manslaughter
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have are currently facing criminal charges for any of the above offenses, whether or not you have a strike or two strikes on your record, you will need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to protect your constitutional rights. A second strike may result in double the normal prison term for that offense. A third conviction for any type of felony offense may result in 25 years to life in prison. You may be in danger of facing the rest of your life behind bars; you cannot afford to take any chances.
Contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at our firm for experienced legal counsel in the face of a strike offense of any kind.