Three Strikes Law for Florida Felonies
The Three Strikes Law has intense consequences for people who may not even deserve it. If you are considered a “repeat felon,” you deserve the same due process protections and criminal justice rights. Because it can include a variety of qualifying conviction degrees, any misdemeanor or felony that is applicable under the law should be guided through the legal process by an attorney who knows how to navigate the Three Strikes Law.
We know that a strike may be given wrongly or falsely and does not automatically mean that you are deserving of it. If you are convicted of committing a third strike of any related offense or felony, immediately contact a highly-skilled attorney, such as any of the successful, qualified Tampa federal defense lawyers from The Rickman Law Firm to receive the proper legal navigation to help you achieve the most favorable outcome.
What Is the Three Strikes Law?
The Three Strikes Law is a piece of Florida legislature meant to target those who are considered habitual criminal offenders or repeat criminals. Defined in Fla. Stat. § 775.087, the Three Strikes Law may face an extended time in prison if the defendant has already been convicted of two or more felonies or other qualified offenses in Florida. The intention is to prevent “career criminals” from repeatedly committing felonies.
The Three Strikes Law is applied very seriously in court. Sometimes, it is applied to cases wrongly and serves as the basis for unjust punishment.
What Criminal Offenses and Felonies Are Included in the Three Strikes Law?
The felonies and qualifying offense convictions that are outlined in the Three Strikes Law include:
- Arson
- Sexual battery
- Robbery
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated child abuse
- Aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Aggravated manslaughter of an elderly person or disabled adult
- Aggravated manslaughter of a child
- Unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb
- Armed burglary
- Aggravated battery
- Aggravated stalking
- Carjacking
Each of these offenses is considered a strike and will result in increasing sentencing under the Three Strike Law. Additionally, each of these felonies or qualifying offenses involving the use, or attempted use, of a firearm or destructive device will receive increased penalties.
These sentences will be added to the mandatory minimum sentencing for the attempt or execution of any of the aforementioned convictions. Your Tampa federal defense attorney will have an understanding of the severity of your sentence potential that they should communicate clearly with you while working on your defense case.
How the Three Strikes Law Works in Florida
In Florida, the Three Strikes Law is also referred to as the “10-20-Life” law, referring to the levels of minimum imprisonment sentences with each aggregated “strike” committed, where convictions must receive an additional sentence minimum of a ten-year sentence, a twenty-year sentence, and from a twenty-five-year sentence up to a life sentence as the judge sees fit.
According to the Florida state legislature,
- A first-degree felony sentence, as a third strike, can result in an imprisonment sentence ranging from 30 years up to life. Additionally, there can be mandatory fines of up to $10,000
- A second-degree felony sentence, as a third strike, can result in an imprisonment sentence of up to 20 years. Additionally, there can be mandatory fines of up to $10,000
- A third-degree felony sentence, as a third strike, can result in an imprisonment sentence of up to 10 years. Additionally, there can be mandatory fines of up to $5,000
What Do I Do On My Third Strike?
It is imperative that you seek out expert legal assistance for any crime that you are charged with. If you are charged with a third strike under the Three Strikes Law, you could potentially be facing lengthened sentences and a harsher sentence, even if you would have been granted any degree of leniency in your sentencing were this not a third strike. Being sentenced to a third strike can be extremely frightening.
If you are on your third strike, working with your attorney can bring out some findings that will help your case. In exploring your previous cases, your attorney may find that your rights were violated or infringed upon. These findings, along with a strong criminal defense case on your behalf, could result in a better outcome for you. Working with an expert Tampa federal defense attorney can help you avoid a life sentence in court, and may help to lessen the degree of the criminal charge, lessen the fines and sentencing terms, or even get your charge dropped.
Get the Protection That You Deserve When Facing the Three Strikes Law
The Three Strikes law can severely and negatively impact your life without the proper guidance or assistance, often proving disastrous for you, even if it is undeserving. If you are facing a third-strike felony charge, it is extremely important that you schedule your consultation with an attorney. Charges of a third strike in Florida are held extremely seriously in court. You deserve legal representation throughout the trial process that is effective, high-quality, and backed by years of successful experience. Contact The Rickman Law Firm for a Tampa federal defense attorney who will aggressively and meticulously thoroughly fight for your justice and rights.
The Rickman Law Firm has been serving greater Tampa Bay for over 10 fulfilling years. We have built a reputation for delivering top-notch legal services both inside and outside of the courtroom. Our office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience and justice. Contact us today at 813-999-0502 or fill out our consultation form for one of our attorneys to reach out to you soon.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.