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New "Three Strikes" Initiative: a Step in the Right Direction
Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley is proposing a ballot initiative that would modify the existing "three strikes" law to better implement the intent of the voters. The new initiative would eliminate life terms unless the third conviction was a "serious" or "violent" offense. The proposed initiative is now under review by the California Attorney General's Office. The co-author of the initiative is attorney Brian T. Dunn, a member of the firm formerly headed by the late Johnnie Cochran. The issue of whether to include burglary convictions as triggering "third strike" felonies is still under consideration. Assemblyman Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, is involved in this effort. At present, the California District Attorney's Office has not taken a position on the proposed initiative.
Needless to say, those seeking change to the "three strikes" law should contact their representatives.
Readers should also visit the Families to Amend California's Three Strikes ("FACTS") website (here). Donations to this effort will be important is it will surely be opposed by the California Correctional Peace Officer's Association ("CCPOA"). If only the Governor could break away from the grip of the CCPOA on this . . . .