If you are convicted of three strike offenses in California, then you will face an enhanced sentence. The length of the sentence will depend on whether the third strike is a serious or violent felony. A person convicted of three strikes will be sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
However, if their third conviction was for a felony other than a strike, their sentence will be for twice the normal sentence for that conviction. For example, if a defendant was convicted for robbery of a home, he would normally be sentenced to three, six or nine years in prison. If he has two prior “strikes,” then the sentence would be doubled to six, twelve or eighteen years. This is the same sentencing scheme that is used for a person that has received his second strike.
Before a defendant can be sentenced for having three strikes, the prosecutor must prove that each of the prior strike exists. This is typically done using court records, photographs, prison records, and other evidence. If the jury finds that the defendant does have three strikes, then the defendant will be sentenced under this sentencing scheme.
