Pennsylvania’s “three strikes” law aims to deter repeat criminal offenders. It accomplishes this by imposing harsher penalties on individuals convicted of multiple serious crimes.
This law punishes habitual criminals by significantly increasing their sentences after the third felony conviction. For those facing criminal charges, it is important to understand Pennsylvania’s “three strikes” system and how it works.
How the “three strikes” law works
Pennsylvania legal statute 42 Pa. C.S. § 9714 is also known as the “three strikes” law. The law states that a person who commits three violent felony offenses faces a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole. This applies to crimes such as murder, rape, aggravated assault, robbery and other serious felonies classified as “strikes.” The first and second strikes result in standard sentencing, but the third strike triggers the life sentence.
The “three strikes” law requires that each of the three convictions be for separate incidents. Convictions from the same incident or trial do not count as multiple strikes. For example, if a person receives two convictions for violent felonies from the same criminal act, this counts as one strike under the law.
What counts as a strike?
Pennsylvania’s law is specific about what constitutes a strike. The offenses must be violent felonies, which generally involve physical harm or the threat of harm to another person. Non-violent crimes, such as drug possession or theft, do not qualify as strikes under this law. However, these crimes can still lead to significant legal consequences, including long prison sentences, especially if they are repeat offenses.
Implications for repeat offenders
The “three strikes” law in Pennsylvania serves as a severe warning for individuals with prior felony convictions. A third conviction for a violent felony can lead to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This law aims to protect the public by ensuring that those who repeatedly commit violent crimes face strict punishment.
Individuals with two strikes should understand the gravity of their situation. Avoiding a third felony conviction is critical in avoiding the mandatory life sentence.
