A "strike" is defined under California Three Strikes law as a serious or violent felony. Serious and violent felony convictions are given special definition under California law. Crimes such as residential burglary, assault with a deadly weapon and robbery are examples of "strikes" within the meaning of California's Three Strikes law.

California's Three Strikes law requires the doubling of a prison sentence if a person picks up a new felony and has one strike and a life prison term if the person has two strikes.

A lawyer must aggressively evaluate the evidence in a Three Strikes case to determine as early as possible whether to prepare a defense for trial or to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor or the judge for canceling or 'striking' a strike.

After evaluating the evidence, the lawyer must also research the prior strike convictions to determine if there is a basis for attacking their validity. For instance, certain out of state criminal convictions alleged as strikes may not qualify as strikes under California law.

Three Strike cases require a lot of legal skill and experience and should be handled only by a trial lawyer who has a lot of experience with Three Strike cases.

Although the cost of a Three Strike defense can be very high, the stakes of a conviction under this law can potentially result in a life prison sentence. It is important to shop for experience, and not for price when the stakes are so high.

Your freedom and record are too important to entrust to an inexperienced attorney. I am one of San Diego's most experienced criminal defense attorneys.

With over 20 years of experience, devoted exclusively to the practice of criminal defense law; I (Stephen Brodsky, Attorney at Law) have successfully defended hundreds of people in all areas of criminal law.

IF YOU ARE ARRESTED OR CHARGED WITH A THREE STRIKES CASE, CONTACT MY OFFICE FOR A FREE CONSULTATION ON HOW TO PREPARE A SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE.