3-Strike Stories: Craig
Family History:
Born Dec. 11th 1963. -- 33 yrs. old serving 25 to life for accidently
backing into police car. Had drinking problem by age 16. All of my arrests were
ALCOHOL related!
The Strikes:
1. 1985: Age 21 took 2 yr. deal 459 Burglary
2. 1989: 2nd strike took 1 yr. deal 5 yrs probation if pleading guilty to
245.c.adw to serve 1 year county jail. 5 yrs probation took deal. 1991 accused
of robbery "falsely" charges dissmissed. Judge violated probation for
contact with police given 4 yrs. prison. making 1 year county jail 5 year
probation.
3. For 245.C. for bakcing into police vehicle accident--given 25 to life.
The Story:
1st strike age 21 was arrested for entering a neighbors garage while under
the influence of alcohol. To look at a toy remote control helicopter a woman
came out an yelled at me startling me so I ran holding the helicopter. I
returned the helicopter. Appoligising and was told if I went to A.AA program
charges would be dropped. The DA forced the witness to testify by threatening
her with jail time if she wouldn't testify for making false police report. I
was offered 2 year deal if I plead guilty to 459 was given 2 yrs served 14
months.
2nd strike age 26 still had a drinking problem after leaving a bar on a
motor cycle was involved in a chase with police in court was given a 1 year
county jail 5 yrs probation deal. i took deal served 1 year. Plead guilty to a
245.B after released 2 yrs later was accused of a robbery I was in a alcohol
program at the time in Oregon. Removed brought back to Calif. at trial wittness
said I was not the person who did the crime. Judge Lopez in Santa Monica
dropped charges but cause I came in contact with police by being arrested
violated my probation and gave me 4 yrs. state.
3rd strike a police car was accidently backed into while trying to flee
from police. The officers "LAPD" tryed to wedge my vehicle with there
vehicle after the accident. vehicle stopped and officers in another vehicle
opened fire with there guns fearing for life flead scene. at court plead guilty
to 245.c. ADW praying that a Romero motion on priors would be granted, throwing
myself at the mercy of the judge Shults in Van nuys' Superior Division. F.
given 25 to life.
Other Comments:
Back in 1985 and 1989 there was not 3 strike law so I took deals in court
which I now wish I had not done. The 3xxx law as designed because of rapists,
murders, But is now affecting most felonies. It is not fair that the courts can
use cases that occured before this law came into affect! By taking deals in
court was told at the time would be the best way to resolve teh matter. I feel
it was Legal Black Mail by the court system. I know in my heart that I am a
good person and dont truly deserve life in prison for some mistakes I have
made. I know I deserve to have to do some time but not life.
Please send questions or comments to facts@mediaone.net.
Everything on this web site can be distributed to the general public,
reprinted, or reposted without permission of Families to Amend California's
3-Strikes.
Date last modified: 11/11/98.