Question: California Three Strikes Law

[FasterTraffic]

I go back and forth on this one.

On one hand, I see the financial repercussions to our broke-ass state. Incarcerating people for life because they committed a non-violent crime that qualified as a third strike is not free.

On the other hand, if you already have two strikes and you're still breaking the law, maybe you do belong in a cage for 25 years.

What would VBOT do?

Prop 36 - Three Strikes Law. Sentencing for Repeat Felony Offenders.


Fiscal Impact
State savings could eventually exceed $70 million annually, according to the Legislative Analyst's Office.


If Passed
Revises three strikes law to impose life sentence only when the third felony conviction is serious or violent. Authorizes re-sentencing for offenders currently serving life sentences if third-strike conviction was not serious or violent and judge determines sentence does not pose unreasonable risk to public safety. Maintains life sentence penalty for felons with non-serious, non-violent third strike if prior convictions were for rape, murder, or child molestation.


If Rejected
Existing law would continue. A third-strike, non-violent felony sending a convict to a life sentence can include drug possession and shoplifting.

[Torqaholic]

By the time they're ready for release from a second felony they should be too old to commit another one.

The main problem IMO is that there is such a thing as non-serious felonies.