Changes In The Three Strikes Law

Prop 36 was a measure sent to the voters in November, 2012, which passed with a huge margin. This measure reformed the Three Strikes Law. Prior to the passage of Prop 36, there were a number of convicted felons that were given a 25 years to life sentence for a non-violent felony crime.

The passage of Prop 36 opens the door for altering the sentence of about 3,000 convicts currently incarcerated under the Three Strikes Law. The convict have a pathway to petition for a reduced term if the inmate was sentenced to the required maximum and the third offense was not a violent crime.

If you or your loved one is currently serving time in state prison on a Three Strikes crime, it is important that you have your case reviewed immediately. If the individual is not deemed to be a "danger or public safety" there is a good possibility of achieving a reduced sentence. There are certain crimes that are not eligible for a reduced sentence, including any person that was earlier convicted for rape, murder, child molestation or certain other offenses.

If you or your loved one has been sentenced under Three Strikes, it is urgent that your case is reviewed on an immediate basis. It is possible that a release from prison, or a much shorter sentence could be achieved through a petition to the court. There are hundreds of inmates that could be eligible under Prop 36.

For more information, contact The Law Office of Douglas H. Ridley in Ventura. Mr. Ridley is a former Deputy District Attorney for Ventura County and has a great depth of experience on both sides of the legal system.