What is the “Three Strikes” law?

The “Three Strikes” law, also known as the Habitual Offender Penalty, is a law in South Carolina that requires judges and prosecutors to impose harsher penalties for individuals convicted of more than one violent crime. The law is meant to act as a deterrent for those who have previously committed violent crimes. Under the Three Strikes law, if someone is convicted of three separate violent crimes, they are then considered a habitual offender and can be sentenced to life in prison without parole. Even if the third crime is not as serious as the first two, the individual can still receive the same sentence. This means that a person convicted of misdemeanors such as robbery or assault can receive a life sentence if they have already been convicted of two violent felonies. The Three Strikes law applies to someone who has been convicted of: murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, rape, assault, robbery, burglary, and certain other felonies. The first strike will generally result in a harsher penalty than for a first-time offender. If the individual commits the same violent crime in the future, the penalty will then become even harsher. The Three Strikes law is meant to protect the public by ensuring that those who have committed multiple violent crimes will receive harsher punishments. This law also encourages people to think twice about committing violent crimes, as they know they will face a much heavier punishment if caught.

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What is the “Three Strikes” law?

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