Defense Against Strike Crimes

Talk to an Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney

"Strike" crimes under California's "three strikes" law carry very serious consequences. If you have one or two strikes on your record already, a second or third conviction could be disastrous and could even result in lifetime imprisonment. If you have been charged with a strike crime in California, you need to do everything possible to defend yourself against conviction. Your rights and freedom are very important to you, and it would be impossible to continue your life in the manner in which you are accustomed if you had to spend years in prison for a crime. With the help of an experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyer at The Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman, you can take the necessary steps to uphold and maintain your rights. Examples of "strikes" are:

• Murder;
• Manslaughter;
• Involuntary manslaughter;
• Attempted murder;
• Rape by force; and
• Assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer.

If you have questions about your criminal charge or if you need to discuss your options with an attorney, please do not hesitate to call Mr. Bridgman or his legal team as soon as possible. These charges can have very serious consequences and the sooner you speak with a lawyer, the sooner your defense can begin so that your lawyer can begin to research and investigate every aspect of your case.

California & The Three Strikes Law

There was a recent change in California's Three Strikes Law that came with the passage of Proposition 36 on California voter ballots for the 2012 election. The prop passed with an overwhelming majority (more than 60 percent of voters). Prior to this amendment, the law allowed for the three strikes penalties to apply to those who had committed any third felony offense, regardless of whether or not it was violent. Therefore, those convicted of grand theft could potentially face the same penalties as those convicted of murder.

This amendment greatly improved the Three Strikes habitual offender Law, now requiring a third offense to be violent in order to qualify as a third strike. What does this mean for those who previously were arrested under this law? The state of California estimates that there are thousands of prisoners currently incarcerated that may be able to get their sentences changed due to the fact that their third and final strike was not a violent crime.

For drug crimes in particular, Proposition 36 is not retroactive. Those who previously attended drug rehabilitation before the passage of this proposition will not be able to have their cases heard again in court. This applies in the case of unlicensed rehabs.

It is in your best interests to speak with a professional who is experienced in handling legal matters. At their firm, every member of the strike crime defense team is fully prepared to defend you vigorously and aggressively throughout the duration of your case. When you are faced with a serious charge, you want an attorney that you can count on. Remember, even if this is not your third felony offense, every felony has the potential to put you one step closer to Three Strikes penalties. This legal team will give you the defense that you need with a goal of achieving the best possible outcome for your case.