Three Strikes Cases in California.

The “three strike law” has been an important deterrent to crime in our state.  It was originally enacted just over 20 years ago.  By definition it gives the judge latitude to impose a much harsher sentence on anyone who has been previously convicted of two prior serious criminal offenses.  This is where things become a bit fuzzy in defining prior “serious” criminal convictions.

For example, in one case an individual was accused of stealing $153 worth of video tapes from Kmart stores.  Because he had a distant past of drug abuse and had committed residential burglaries those video tapes might have cost him serious prison time.  As a result, this individual had “the book thrown at him” and was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 50 years!

Whoa Nellie, does something seem excessive and unfair here?  We strongly urge you to call Attorney William Chestnut.  He is an experienced California three strikes defense lawyer in San Jose. He will bring nearly 40 years of experience and success to defend you against the possibility of an unduly harsh sentence.  Call Bill today for the help you need at (408) 298-6990.

The Need For Sentence Reform

When coming out of prison, people need many things, but the critical ones are safe housing, drug treatment and jobs. Theoretically, $2 billion dollars allocated to prison inmate reduction and sentence reform is ironically being given to county jails, which have seen their own overcrowding only get worse as they have absorbed thousands of inmates from state prisons. So far, counties have allocated an average of just 12 percent of their realignment funds to re-entry programs.

Where does this leave someone who has to reenter society? If there are no jobs, no treatment facilities and no proper reentry programs, the revolving door of California's
prison system perpetuates.

Until major sentencing reform is even discussed, a competent attorney who understands ALL aspects of the law from both sides; is your best defense when facing the justice system. Your best chance to preserve your future is to act in the present. Call the Law Offices of William Chestnut for a consultation. We are here to fight vigorously for you.

Sue Reams, California's Three Strikes Law

Since November's 2012 election, more than 240 people serving harsh sentences under California's Three Strikes Law have been released, and many more are expected to be released in the future. This is a step in the right direction in reducing our nation's prison overpopulation epidemic. This unjust law sent many to prison to serve 25 years or more for drug offenses or small petty crimes. The effort was intended to reduce the out of control gang problem of the 90's. What it did was create a very discriminate dragnet to those who reside in or around gangland--which is every impoverished neighborhood in California.

One person we can thank for overturning this heinous law is Sue Reams. Sue campaigned to change California's Three Strikes Law and help set free her son, Shane Reams, free. Her son, was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison for being involved in the $20 sale of crack-cocaine. A drug far less pure than cocaine and far more punishable by law. When news of her son's conviction hit, she went into action. She began to campaign to have the Three Strikes Law overturned. She campaigned vigorously, writing senators and members of congress, petitioning, attending hearings, doing anything she could to bring attention to this imbalance. Change didn't come overnight, however.

Sue Reams' son, Shane, served 17 of his 25 year minimum sentence. During his time in prison, Shane was forced to join a prison gang. He saw and participated in things he should have never been exposed to, especially in our prison system. A better fit for Shane's situation would have been sentencing Shane to a drug counseling program in lieu of a lengthy prison sentence. This is the argument Sue has campaigned on for 17 years. Finally, during the fall of 2012, her prayers were answered.

Today, drug counseling programs and gang prevention programs will have their chance to take a bite out of crime. Dealing with the source of the problem, rather than the problem itself, can produce fruitful results in the form of rehabilitated and functional members of society. This will hopefully result in less prisons and prisoners.

Click here to listen to Sue's interview with NPR as she talks about her impressive mission and victory. Contact San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney if you have been charged with a criminal matter.