Are You Facing a Criminal Charge That Could Be a Third Strike?
California’s Three Strikes Law
The California 3 Strikes Law labels certain criminal offenses as “strikes.” Any felony conviction for someone with two or more strikes in their past can mean prison for life. The law was intended to keep dangerous repeat offenders off the streets, but there are many horror stories of non-violent people falling victim to the law. The third strike lawyers at the Law Offices of William C. Makler can help.
What Counts as a Strike?
There are few hard and fast simple rules about what constitutes a strike and what does not. One definite rule, however, is that misdemeanors, such as most DUI / DWI charges, are never strikes. Some felony charges result in strikes, and some do not; it depends both on the crime, your situation, and whether your attorney can negotiate to keep a strike off your record.
To guard against gaining a strike, you need a lawyer who knows the laws well. Third strike lawyer William C. Makler has extensive experience dealing with the complexities surrounding the California Three Strikes Law. He can help you determine whether:
- Your offense does or does not fit in to the Three Strikes program
- You can use one of the possible safety valves that do not involve prison
These depend on the crime, and include such measures as drug treatment or plea bargaining.
It is beneficial to speak with a lawyer experienced in defending cases involving strike priors before assuming whether a judge is likely to strike a strike. If you or a loved one are facing a criminal charge with one or more strike priors alleged anywhere in the Tri-County area (e.g., Santa Barbara, Ventura, or San Luis Obispo), contact us any time for a free initial consultation.
The third strike lawyers at the Law Offices of William C. Makler can help. Call us now at (805) 892-4922 for a free, no obligation, consultation. Or, if you prefer it, message us and Mr. Makler will get back to you as soon as possible and frequently within a few minutes. Our offices are conveniently located on East Figueroa Street near the Superior Court building.
