You’re Not Alone: Learn How a Three Strikes Defense Lawyer in Bakersfield CA Can Help
When a person faces a Third Strike and they know the significant penalties they could be facing, they may feel tempted to simply give up. They may decide to just plead guilty and give in to the charges they are facing. At Chambers Law Firm we want everyone in this position to know one thing: There are options and a three strikes defense lawyer in Bakersfield CA can help.
The Sentencing Enhancements that Accompany a Third Strike Should Be Taken Seriously
If a person is convicted of a Third Strike, they could face decades more in prison than if they had no criminal past. While we understand the reasoning behind the Three Strikes law, the truth is that it allows a judge to re-punish a person for past crimes they have likely paid their debt for. These are very serious charges and require the help of an experienced third strikes defense lawyer in Bakersfield CA.
Not All Felonies Can Qualify as a Third Strike
The law states that if a judge implements third strike penalties on a defendant, the third strike must be a felony and it must either be what the court considers “serious” or “violent.” This includes crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, serious assaults, child molestation, kidnapping, and certain drug charges. If a felony was committed and the defendant had a firearm then it can also qualify.
First: We Will Look for a Way to Have the Charges Dropped or for You to Be Found Guilty
Our initial focus will be on the best possible outcome – the District Attorney dropping the charges or getting an acquittal after trial. Even if you do not believe this is possible, your three strikes defense lawyer in Bakersfield CA will look for options. For example, if any evidence was mishandled than that evidence may not be admissible.
Your Charges Could Be Reduced
If you know there is a wealth of evidence against you and you are likely to be convicted, then you still have options. One is to have your three strikes defense lawyer in Bakersfield CA negotiate with the District Attorney to have your charge reduced. This involves the D.A. reducing your charges to a non-strike offense in exchange for your guilty plea.
We Can Work to Strike a Past Strike
We can use a Romero Motion to request that a judge dismiss a past strike conviction. The judge will then consider how serious that charge was, how serious the current charge is, and other information about you and your criminal history. If your three strikes defense lawyer in Bakersfield CA can convince the judge that it would not do you justice to be convicted of a third strike, this may work.
