In the recent November ballot, a change in the Three Strikes Law was passed by voters. Proposition 36 included several critical modifications to the original law, which had been approved by voters in 1994. The changes in the law include several significant issues, one of which is that in order to be sentenced to life, the "third strike" offense must have been serious or violent crime.
The law also authorizes many of those who had been sentenced under the former law who had not committed a violent or serious crime to have their sentencing reviewed and reduced, if the judge determines that the individual is not going to pose an unreasonable risk to the safety of the public. There are certain offenders who will not qualify, including those who were sentenced under Three Strikes for certain sex or drug offenses, or when the individual had be convicted previously for a crime that included the possession of a firearm, or for rape, murder or child molestation.
There are approximately 3,000 people incarcerated under Three Strikes that could qualify for resentencing and are believed to be eligible to petition the court for a reduced sentence. Some may even be eligible for release, based upon the situation and the time that has already been served.
If you or your family member is currently serving a life sentence under Three Strikes and could be eligible for resentencing or even release from prison, it is imperative that your petition is presented in the best possible light. You can get help from a Riverside criminal defense lawyer that is highly qualified and prepared to pursue justice in this important matter.
At the Law Offices of Grech & Packer, the legal team is made up of criminal defense attorneys that are Certified by the State Bar of California as Specialists in Criminal Law, as well as having served as a Deputy District Attorney and Deputy City Attorney. They are AV® rated by Martindale-Hubbell® or rated as preeminent in their field.