If you have two strikes against you and are possibly facing a third for a non-violent or less serious criminal offense, it is essential that you consult with a Richmond 3rd strike defense lawyer right away. At Bay Area Criminal Lawyers, PC, we understand the impact that being convicted of a third strike felony offense will have on your life and future. Our Richmond third strike defense attorneys know that if given a third strike, you will face 25 years to life in prison.

This law, passed in 1994, was designed to keep repeat offenders of serious and/or violent crimes away from society and off of the streets. However, our Richmond 3rd strike defense lawyers know that this law has been abused, and that prisons are now filled to capacity with individuals who have committed nothing more serious than stealing a candy bar or writing a bad check. This law is difficult to interpret and very complex, which is why you need a skilled Richmond third strike attorney on your side even if you have only a single strike on your record, to prevent a second or third.

How does this law work? An individual who has been convicted previously of committing two serious crimes (felonies) and who is convicted for a third offense (which could even be a misdemeanor) may be forced to serve 25 years in prison at minimum, with a maximum sentence of life. When convicted on a second strike offense, you will be given double the normal sentence for that crime. Our Richmond 3rd strike defense lawyers work vigorously to prevent individuals from being locked away for life for crimes that are minor in comparison to serious or violent crimes.

As skilled Richmond third strike defense attorneys, we want individuals to understand how severe this punishment is, and how the law works. A person can actually be given more than one strike in a case, as strikes are counted by charges. Therefore, it is very possible to have more than one strike placed on your record at one time. It is important that if you have even one or two strikes already on your record, you have them removed if possible so that a third does not occur.

Having a reputable Richmond 3rd strike defense lawyer to provide you with aggressive legal representation can make the difference between serving 25 years to life in prison, and serving no time or only months in prison. Never assume that you have no choice, and that you will face a lifetime behind bars. At Bay Area Criminal Lawyers, PC, we will fight for your freedom and future, putting our skill, experience and knowledge to work on your behalf.