Three Strike Offenders Helped By Stanford Law Students
The website latimes.com reported in a story on May 13, 2009 that a group of students from Stanford University assisted by their professors are helping 3rd strike offenders get out of prison early. The students aim their efforts at mostly non-violent inmates where their third strike was a minor offense. Inmate Norman Williams, 45 had not received a visitor for nearly 10 years when he got a visit from two Stanford students and a professor offering a chance of freedom. Williams’ third strike crime was stealing tools and a car jack from a tow truck.
Sitting in Folsom state prison, the trio told Williams that they believed his sentence was cruelly harsh. Acknowledging that it was a long shot, they wanted to try to reduce his punishment. As a result of their efforts, he walked out of prison two weeks ago.
William’s case is just one of many victories for the Stanford law clinic that brings together law students who are dedicated to reversing the injustices under the three-strike law.
Stanford law students are supporting prisoners guilty of what they believe are minor crimes, which raises the question of how much prison time is too much. The students are working to make right what they believe is an accumulation of extremely unfair sentences for minor crimes and possibly bring about changes to the law regarding three strike crimes in California.
Jennifer Robinson, a recent graduate, said, “These people fall between the cracks. It’s an awful situation that I don’t think that the voters envisioned.”
It seems unbelievable that you could spend 25 years to life in prison for stealing a loaf of bread, but it’s true. California’s controversial “three strike law,” passed in 1994, is very complex and difficult to interpret but, simply stated, it means that you may be sentenced to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison and a maximum of life if:
- You have previously been convicted for committing 2 serious felonies (strikes); and
- If you are convicted for committing a third offense (possibly a misdemeanor)
If you or a loved one is being charged with a third strike crime in Los Angeles you should call the experienced Los Angeles three strike defense attorneys at the law offices of Lawrence Wolf. They have been helping individuals for over 30 years and have a long history of successfully handling the defense of clients charged with crimes in California. Please call (310) 277-1707 for a free consultation.
