California Voters Take Second Look at 'Three Strikes'

California voters will get a chance November 2 to modify the state's Three Strikes law -- the toughest in the nation -- to make the law more fair for those whose third conviction is a non-violent crime and to reduce expenses to taxpayers for prison services.

Under the current California Three Strikes law, anyone convicted of a third felony receives a mandatory 25-years-to-life sentence, even if the third conviction is for a non-violent crime. Also, under the current law, those convicted of a second felony receives double the normal sentence.

Proposition 66 on the November 2 ballot would modify the current law so that it only goes into effect if subsequent convictions are for violent crimes. It also removes some crimes of the list of what is considered to be violent crimes, such as a burglary of an empty house.

If Proposition 66 passes, inmates now serving time under the current law can ask to have their sentences reviewed. Many will get out of prison based on time already served.

See Mercury News: Prop. 66: Vote Yes to Fix Three Strikes