3-Strike Stories: William J. Clark
Family History:
I am 51 years old. I have one brother that is still alive.
The Strikes:
1. and 2. Robbery and assault with a weapon.
3. Aiding and abetting a petty theft.
The Story:
I was paroled out of Pelican Bay (shu) after doing 11 years for a robbery and assault
with a weapon (10 1/2 years in solitary confinement). I was paroled in Jan. of 1995,
stayed out for one year, was working and adjusting to a second life when I reverted back
to drug use (heroin) and got caught up in some things and was arrested for the 3rd strike.
I sat in jail for 17 months till I went to trial and was found guilty. I went to my
3-Strikes hearing and the judge felt the strikes were legitimate and under the 3-Strikes
law he felt that I should get 25 years to life for a petty theft. He wouldn't use his
discretionary power under the Romero decision.
Other Comments:
My case is one that falls under a petty theft (misdemeanor). I didn't kill anyone. . .
. There is more to life than wasting away in a prison cell.
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Date last modified: 7/5/97.