The document discusses California's Three Strikes law, which mandates 25 years to life in prison for a third felony conviction. It was passed in 1994 in response to the murder of 12-year-old Polly Klaas, who was kidnapped and killed by Richard Allen Davis, a repeat offender. However, over 25% of third strike convictions have been for non-violent offenses like drug possession or petty theft. Critics argue the law is overly harsh and strains the prison system.

1. 3 Strikes Law Stephanie Cruz Jeffery Khongsaly Chris Jardine Marlene Miranda Carlos Oliva Evan Kraft

2. In 1994, voters approved what is now a controversial law known as the 3 Strikes Law. This law was designed to control the crime rates in California. The law states that after the third felony, an offender is eligible for 25 years to life in prison.

3. History of the 3 Strikes Law Was first enacted in 1993 by Washington voters. They approved Initiative 593. In 1994, California passed this law. Approved Proposition 184 with an overwhelming majority of 72% in favor to 28% against. Was first enacted in 1993 by Washington voters - Prisons would be overcrowded within 5 years. In 2007 California's state prison system holds over 170,000 prisoners in a system designed for 83,000 inmates

4. California has convicted 4,468 offenders on third strikes since 1994. There are 2 million people behind bars in the U.S., including local jails--twice as many as a decade ago. Approximately 2,700 "third strikers" received at least a 25 years-to-life sentence for nonviolent and non-serious offenses. In California, nearly 75 percent of 2nd strikes and 50 percent of 3rd strikes are for nonviolent and non-serious offenses. The most common charges leveled against third-strike criminals are drugs, theft and burglary.

5. The three strikes law was passed in 1994 largely in response to Davi’s murder of Polly Klaas. How did the three strike law was established?

6. Polly Klaas 12 year old Lived in a low crime town (Petaluma, California) Attended Petaluma Junior High - was member of the band and played the clarinet. Scared of the “boogieman”

7. Abduction October 1, 1993, Polly and two of her friends were having a slumber party. A bushy gray hair male entered Polly’s house The man grab Polly Ordered them not to scream Tied their hands and took Polly 10:45 pm Polly’s mom dialed 911 and the hunt was on American most wanted Did sketches of the kidnapper Polly’s mom and dad were questioned Polygraph test

8. Richard Allen Davis Born on June 2, 1954 Half American Indian and half white Criminal record - Convictions - robbery, burglary, assault, kidnapping, and violence against females * On October 19, 1993 was arrested for drunk driving

9. November 28 Dana Jaffe and two of her friends were hiking around her property. - found several items - sweatshirt, red tights, condom wrapper, strips of binding tape, and a hood. Called Police - Identify the man - Notice he was the man that have been arrested for drunk driving and looked just like the man they were looking for.

10. December 4 Richard confesses Led investigators to the body near highway 101 - Polly had her miniskirt pulled up and legs spread - An unused condom was found near Polly

11. The trial Judge order Davi’s trial moved from Sonoma County to Santa Clara County Charged with first degree murder Not charged with rape Judge Thomas Hastings pronounce the death sentence An angle named Polly Her ashes were scattered into the sea (Carmel Bay) Marc’s brother Jonathan - HIV - Dreamed with Polly - Three days later he die Marc Klaas started Polly Klaas Foundation - two foundations - 1. Polly Klaas Foundation - 2. Klaaskids Foundation

12. Overdose Mystery Richard was placed on a high security cell block (Grade B) On July 23, 2006 Richard was found unconscious in his cell on San Quentin’s death row. Overdose on Opiates - a powerful drug derived from the poppy plant - Includes opium, heroin, morphine, and codeine Known to enjoy painting and woodworking Richard fellow inmates blame him for the California’s “Three Strikes and you are out law” He has a website provided to him by the Canadian Coalition against the death penalty. ( www.ccadp.org.)

13. “ I don’t have no complaints about my due, I have lived a life inside the walls, it is almost as though this is “home sweet home”, sad but true. The most often thought that I do have, is wondering if for someone such as myself, can one ever fall back in love with life again, for myself, I feel that I do not have that right, or even the time spent considering such a thought.” Richard Allen Davis writes:

14. Opposing Arguments The three strikes law is putting a financial strain on the prison systems.

16. Wastes time of the court systems Too strict on non-violent criminals May increase homicide rates in the U.S

17. Problems with the 3 Strikes Law Shane Reams mother was practicing “tough love” when she encouraged neighbors to press charges. Shane had been stealing from the neighbors' garages. Those burglary convictions ended up serving as the basis for a three-strike sentence that sent her son away for 25 years to life. His third strike: aiding and abetting a $20 drug sale to an undercover officer.

18. Ronnie Villa, a grandfather of four, is doing 25 to life. His crime: stealing five bottles of Head and Shoulders shampoo. His prior strikes occurred 12 years earlier. William Anderson was convicted of a robbery 27 years ago. He is serving 25 to life for possession of a forged drivers license.

19. During the height of Three-Strikes propaganda we enjoyed a near runaway economy, resulting in more jobs, and therefore, less crime.

20. The first major statewide organization that has tried to change the Three Strikes law is Families to Amend California’s Three Strikes (FACTS)