Fighting Enhanced Penalties Under Proposition 184
California Proposition 184, commonly known as the three-strikes law, dramatically increased criminal penalties for convicted repeat felons. If you have been charged under the three-strikes law, it is critical that you get an experienced defense attorney working on your case.
San Mateo three-strikes law lawyer Charles B. Smith — a former prosecutor and former police officer — has more than 25 years of experience in California's criminal justice system. If you retain our firm, you can count on him to handle your case with dedication and integrity.
Seeking Options for Reducing the Consequences of Your Charges
Under California's three-strikes law, many people who are convicted of multiple felony offenses are considered "habitual offenders," subject to harsher criminal penalties than first-time felony offenders. The following is a basic breakdown of how the system works:
- First strike: If you are convicted of a serious or violent felony — including robbery, rape, or a charge with a weapons or gang enhancement — a strike will be put on your record, and you will have to serve a higher percentage of your sentence.
- Second strike: If you already have one strike on your record, a new felony conviction will carry a double prison sentence, and you will be ineligible for probation.
- Third strike: If you have two strikes on your record and you are convicted of any felony — even a relatively minor felony — you could be facing 25 years to life in prison.
If you have been charged with a felony with a second- or third-strike enhancement, we will investigate your prior convictions to see whether they should count as strikes, and we will evaluate at your current charges for opportunities to get the enhancement dismissed.
Whatever the circumstances of your case, we will aggressively protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome with the fewest possible criminal penalties and consequences.
Call a San Francisco Habitual Offender Defense Attorney at 650-425-7703
If you have been charged with a second or third strike in California, it is important to hire an experienced lawyer. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 650-425-7703 or e-mail us. We accept credit cards, are available outside of regular business hours, and regularly visit our clients who are in jail.
