The California Three Strikes Law is not complicated, but it is extremely serious. According to the California statute, if a person is convicted of a felony, that person receives a “strike” on his or her record. Every person is allowed up to three strikes, and upon receiving the third strike – having been convicted of a third felony – the person must receive a mandatory sentence to life in prison, usually without a chance for parole.
Essentially, three strikes and you’re out, just as it is in baseball.
The three strikes law was implemented to deal with the habitual offender, or any person who continues getting into trouble with the law even after the court allowed them two previous chances to turn their lives around.
California implemented the law in the hopes that it would deter these habitual offenders from committing more crimes by removing the repeat offenders from society.
What is the Point of ‘Three Strikes’ Laws?
As one might expect, those who support the Three Strikes Law typically believe that it is for the good of the public to implement such a law. Public safety is paramount to law enforcement and the justice system, since they are there to ensure public safety and the more habitual offenders on the streets, the less safe the streets are.
However, those who oppose the law do not consider the adverse effects of the law, such as ruining the lives and families of the defendant – a defendant who might have made mistakes, and needed help in other ways but didn’t get it because they were forced into a jail sentence. There are sometimes other alternatives to jail time.
Fortunately, I understand the reasons behind the law, but I also understand that the law can impose devastation to all those it touches. As a criminal defense attorney with this knowledge, I can offer my services to you and can help you face the third strike law and help you defend against it in Ventura.
Criminal Defense for Three Strikes Cases
“Robert Helfend is one of the best criminal defense attorneys I’ve ever worked with. He was so knowledgeable, and always made sure I understood everything every step of the way. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who wants an understanding, caring, and truly helpful lawyer.”
Pat, CA
While the courts may believe that “habitual” or “repeat” offenders are not worthy of help or another chance, here at the Robert Michael Helfend Law Offices, we believe that everyone deserves another chance at life no matter the charges, or how many felonies on your record.
In my more than 30 years practicing as a criminal defense attorney in Ventura and Southern California, I have witnessed the courts imposing mandatory sentences on too many good people who just didn’t deserve a life sentence because they made a mistake previously – too many families ruined and lives destroyed.
I have worked hard to develop my reputation as an aggressive defense attorney, and my reputation in Ventura and Southern California is one of dedication, honesty and integrity because I use my experience and talents to develop and tailor a defense strategy that is best for the defendant and the situation at hand.
I fight tirelessly by the side of my clients and use all of my experience, resources, and knowledge to develop a strategy that can best help my clients avoid a conviction that leads to a strike, whether they are facing charges and potential conviction for a first or third felony.
If you or someone you know needs help facing a charge that carries the three-strike penalty, don’t hesitate to call me and my law offices for a confidential review of your case. As a firm believer of remembering that we are only human, and humans make mistakes, I am an advocator of abolishing the three strikes law in California, and I think it is time that we work together to find a better solution.
Until them, the earlier that we can discuss the charges against you, the better it will be for us to build a solid defense and achieve the best possible outcome against the three strikes penalties.
As one might expect, those who support the Three Strikes Law typically believe that it is for the good of the public to implement such a law. Public safety is paramount to law enforcement and the justice system, since they are there to ensure public safety and the more habitual offenders on the streets, the less safe the streets are.
However, those who oppose the law do not consider the adverse effects of the law, such as ruining the lives and families of the defendant – a defendant who might have made mistakes, and needed help in other ways but didn’t get it because they were forced into a jail sentence. There are sometimes other alternatives to jail time.