Persistent Offender or “Three Strikes” Cases
Most everyone is familiar with “three strikes” laws—meaning, if you are convicted of a third strike, the mandatory sentence is life in prison without parole. What most people are not aware of, is that some “strike” offenses are for conduct that most people may not consider “serious” to the point that it may warrant a life sentence.
If you have a criminal history that already includes: Multiple Class A felonies, Assault 1 or 2, Assault of a Child 1 or 2, Child Molestation, Extortion, Incest, Indecent Liberties, Kidnapping, Leading Organized Crime, Manslaughter, Prostitution Promoting, Rape or some other serious felonies, you could be looking at life in prison for your next conviction for a similar offense.
Another lesser known aspect of the Three Strikes law is that some offenses are so serious that you only need 2 qualifying offenses to receive a life sentence. If you have been convicted in the past of Rape 1, Rape of a Child 1, Child Molestation 1, Rape 2, Rape of a Child 2 or Indecent Liberties by Forcible Compulsion, and you are facing a current similar offense, your second conviction will result in a mandatory life sentence. If you are in this situation, you need an experienced attorney to help you navigate your case.
If you have a criminal history that includes any of the offenses listed above, and you are facing another charge for similar conduct, you NEED an experienced attorney to navigate your persistent offender case, since you will likely be facing a life sentence upon conviction. You need an advocate who can do extensive mitigation on your case and try to reach a plea deal that includes a non-strike offense, or if that is not possible, an experienced trial attorney who will leave no stone unturned in your case investigation and fight your case hard at trial to avoid a third strike.
Contact The Ritchie Firm PLLC today to start building your defense with an experienced criminal attorney!