Legal Question in Criminal Law in California
Three Strike Law
My friend's brother was arrested for driving a vehicle w/o owner's consent. At time of arrest police found him in posession of drugs and was D.U.I. 0.09. This is his third strike. D.A. offered deal where the ''Driving car w/o owner consent'' charge would be dropped, but he would get a ''mandatory sentence of 32 months''. My question is: Is 32 months truly the mandatory sentence in this case? My friend wants to know so he can make decision on retaining attorney for his brother if a lesser sentence is possible. Thank You!
4 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Three Strike Law
Sometime Judges will suspend even "mandetory sentences." Call me directly at (619) 222-3504.
Re: Three Strike Law
Nothing is "mandatory" and virtually everything is subject to negotiations. However what appears to be going on is that the DA is treating one felony, probably the possession of drugs charge as a second strike and allowing him to plead guilty and receive twice the base term of 16 months which is how it works when you are treated as a second striker....all of this is subject to negotiation depending on a lot of different factors......Your friend should talk to the attorney representing the defendant and find out what is going on,, then make a decision about obtaining counsel....good luck pdm
Re: Three Strike Law
Thank you for your inquiry.
The third strike law doubles any existing punishment, and the minimum for a felony DUI is 16 months.
However, as Mr. McNeal suggested, the DA has the power to reduce charges or even request that a portion of the sentence be suspended. For third strike defendants, they rarely do so, but if there are some legal or factual defenses, that may give your attorney leverage to reduce the sentence.
I hope this helps, but if you have other questions, need more information, or feel that you might need legal representation, please feel free to email me directly at [email protected]. I am happy to help in any way that I can.
Re: Three Strike Law
There are too many variables and openings to 'negotiate' down from mandatory sentencing for anyone to tell you a firm answer. It's amazing what can be accomplished with the right approach. A lot depends on the relationship between defense counsel, DA and court. If he wants to hire counsel to try for a better 'deal' then contact me.