Florida’s three strikes law imposes harsh penalties on repeat offenders who commit multiple serious felonies. Under the law, those charged with a third violent offense face potentially life-altering consequences, including mandatory minimum sentences that can keep them behind bars for decades.
Potential impacts for the accused
Florida’s habitual offender statutes target individuals with multiple felony convictions. Prosecutors can seek enhanced penalties that dramatically increase your sentence length if you have prior convictions. Under the law, you may face three strikes penalties if:
- You commit a new felony within five years of a previous conviction or prison release
- You have two or more prior felony convictions
- Your new offense qualifies as a violent or serious crime
The consequences become increasingly severe with each “strike” on your record, potentially culminating in a mandatory life sentence.
Offenses that count as strikes
Under Florida law, not every criminal charge counts as a strike. The state focuses primarily on violent and serious felonies when applying enhancements.
Common offenses that qualify as strikes include:
- Murder or manslaughter
- Sexual battery
- Robbery or armed robbery
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated assault or battery
- Home invasion
- Carjacking
- Drug trafficking
Even if your current charge seems minor, your prior record could transform it into a case with life-altering consequences. Each strike dramatically increases the minimum sentence you face.
Defending against three strikes charges
When facing these potentially harsh penalties, your defense strategy becomes critically important. You need to challenge your current charges and potentially the validity of prior convictions that prosecutors try to use against you. Possible defense strategies include:
- Challenging whether prior convictions qualify as strikes
- Seeking to have prior convictions stricken from consideration
- Negotiating for reduced charges that don’t trigger three strikes penalties
- Presenting mitigating factors to influence sentencing decisions
Your freedom depends on understanding how Florida’s three strikes law applies to your situation. Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands complex sentencing laws can help you through these challenges and fight for your rights when facing serious felony charges.
