Proposition 184

In 1994, California voters approved Proposition 184. This proposition is now the "three strikes" law.

Second Strike

The three strikes law did not change sentencing for first-time offenders. But second-time offenders now receive a sentence equal to twice that of a first-time offender.

Third Strike

California's three strikes law states that anyone convicted of a third serious or violent felony shall receive a minimum prison sentence of 25 years to life. A prior felony may count as a strike no matter how long ago it was. Multiple third-strike convictions are possible, and each sentence runs consecutively. So two, 25-year third-strike convictions equal 50 years total in prison.

Parole and Early Release

Prisoners serving sentences may not receive parole on a third-strike offense. They also may not reduce their sentence through good behavior by more than one-fifth. Good behavior typically reduces a sentence by up to one-half in non-third-strike situations.

Controversy

Opponents say the three strikes law is "cruel and unusual punishment." However, in 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court disagreed. Opponents also say crimes from long ago should not count as strikes and that the same criminal event should not qualify for multiple third-strike charges.

Source:

CA Three Strikes Law