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Drug crimes and how best to handle them are a hot topic of debate in the political arena these days and California has seen some significant changes to their drug laws in the last decade. While prosecutors have moved their focus away from users and possessors and have softened penalties for individuals convicted of these crimes, that focus has moved towards getting tough on drug manufacturers, distributors and traffickers.

As a part of the Justice Department’s Anti-Violence Strategy, habitual offender laws, often referred to as three-strike laws, were put into place in many states across America. With these laws, the third severe violent crime or serious felony for a single individual would result in a mandatory life sentence in prison. The goal was to deter repeat offenders by dramatically increasing their punishment after the third conviction. Being a repeat offender can cause serious repercussions in your life. Make sure to contact experienced criminal attorneys in Sacramento if you have been convicted more than once.

The first state to implement the three-strikes law was California when 72% of voters passed Proposition 184 in 1994. After California, 27 more states implemented similar laws, though none were quite as sweeping. In most states, only felony offenses qualify for a strike. Under Proposition 184 in California, the jail time for a second felony was double and a third strike resulted in a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life.

Assault with a deadly weapon, often abbreviated as ADW, is a serious criminal offense in California. It is defined under California Penal Code Section 245(a)(1). The severity of the charge and the potential penalties can vary depending on several factors, including the type of weapon used, the extent of injury to the victim, and the defendant’s criminal history. The charge can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and the discretion of the prosecutor.

Penalties for a conviction of assault with a deadly weapon can include imprisonment, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. In cases where the assault is committed against a public official, peace officer, or firefighter, the penalties can be even more severe.