Protecting Your Future Against Harsh Sentencing Enhancements
California’s Three Strikes Law is one of the state’s toughest sentencing schemes. It can drastically increase prison time for individuals with prior convictions for serious or violent felonies. If you’re facing charges that may trigger a “strike,” it’s critical to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side — one who understands how to challenge prior convictions, seek sentence reductions, and pursue every possible form of relief.
At the Law Office of H. Charles Gorian, we’ve been defending clients across Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and San Diego Counties for more than 25 years. We know how the law has changed and how to use those changes to protect your rights.
What Is the Three Strikes Law?
Under California’s Three Strikes Law (Penal Code §§ 667 and 1170.12), individuals convicted of two prior serious or violent felonies face a potential sentence of 25 years to life if they are convicted of a third felony that is also serious or violent.
If a defendant has one prior strike, a new felony conviction — even one that’s not a strike offense — can result in a sentence that is doubled under the law.
The intent behind this statute was to punish repeat offenders more harshly. However, over the years, the law has evolved to ensure fairness and prevent life sentences for minor or non-violent crimes.
How the Law Has Changed
California voters and lawmakers have modified the Three Strikes Law several times since its creation in 1994. The most significant reform came with Proposition 36 (2012), which limited life sentences to cases where the new (“third strike”) offense is serious or violent.
In 2025, the law still follows those rules — but courts continue to refine how strike priors are counted and when relief is available. Defendants currently serving lengthy sentences for non-serious, non-violent third strikes may still qualify for resentencing under these reforms.
Defenses and Legal Strategies
A skilled Three Strikes defense attorney can take several approaches to reduce or eliminate the impact of prior strikes:
- Romero Motions (PC § 1385):
A judge has discretion to “strike” a prior strike conviction in the interest of justice. This can dramatically lower the potential sentence. - Charge Reduction:
Your attorney may be able to negotiate or argue for a reduction of the current felony to a misdemeanor, removing the case from the strike framework altogether. - Challenging Prior Convictions:
Prior convictions must meet strict legal standards to qualify as strikes. If they were improperly classified or based on invalid evidence, they can be contested. - Resentencing Relief:
In some cases, individuals already serving lengthy terms under older versions of the law may qualify for resentencing if their third strike was not serious or violent.
Why Legal Experience Matters
Because Three Strikes cases involve complex sentencing laws and prior-conviction analysis, experience makes all the difference. Attorney H. Charles Gorian has spent his entire career in criminal defense — never for the prosecution — and understands the local court systems, prosecutors, and judges throughout Riverside County and beyond.
He knows how to use recent legal developments to your advantage and how to build a strong defense that challenges the evidence at every stage.
Because Three Strikes cases involve complex sentencing laws and prior-conviction analysis, experience makes all the difference. Attorney H. Charles Gorian has spent his entire career in criminal defense — never for the prosecution — and understands the local court systems, prosecutors, and judges throughout Riverside County and beyond.
He knows how to use recent legal developments to your advantage and how to build a strong defense that challenges the evidence at every stage.
Serving English and Spanish Speaking Clients
At the Law Office of H. Charles Gorian, we proudly serve both English and Spanish speaking clients. Whether you’re charged with a strike-eligible felony or worried about prior convictions, our office can guide you through every step of the process.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one is facing charges that could trigger California’s Three Strikes Law, don’t wait. The sooner a defense strategy begins, the more options you have. Call, email, or use our online form today for a free, no-risk, no-obligation case evaluation with our experienced three strikes defense attorney.