Once, Twice, Three Times, You’re In – Jail that is
Many states have “three strikes laws” that require mandatory incarceration – over 35 years to life – for so-called career criminals (habitual offenders). New Jersey adopted the three strikes law in 1994.
Proponents of the mandatory jail time believe that crime rates dropped due to the tough sentencing program since many states enacted it beginning in the early 90s. Others say putting criminals in jail with a three strikes rule, nothing left up to interpretation, has two major problems: prison costs would be unwieldy and people argue that defendants may suffer sentences that are disproportionate to the crimes they committed.
So, the question is this: what counts as a strike? In most states, including New Jersey, anyone convicted of three serious felonies (in any combination) would be subject to the three strikes rule. These serious crimes include:
- Murder
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Kidnapping
- Arson
- Rape and other sexual offenses
- Child molestation
- Offenses involving a weapon, significant bodily harm or explosives
If you or someone you know is facing any criminal charges in New Jersey, it’s critical, for many reasons, to hire a seasoned [nl_link id=’251′]criminal defense[/nl_link] lawyer who will go to bat for you. However, if you already have two strikes against you, your freedom is literally at stake.
[nl_link id=’272′]Contact[/nl_link] John W. Tumelty for an immediate free consultation about your charges. He will leave no stone unturned in an effort to defend you and keep you out of jail. Contact him today in one of his three South Jersey offices in Somers Point, Marmora or Atlantic City, NJ.
