3-Strike Stories: Kerry
"I am fighting a third strike for being in 'possession of stolen property' (a
car) in which the car was stolen while I was in jail on a probation violation. The court
is aware that I could not steal the car because I was in custody, but I am still being
charged with 'possession.' My alleged prior two strikes are from a burglary at my mother's
house in which my aunt filed charges against me. To avoid a horrible family dispute, I
took a deal. This was in 1993 before the 3-Strikes law. I was unaware that they could
count this one action as two strikes. If I had known this at the time of my plea bargain,
I would have never, under any circumstances, taken the deal. . . . I am a 30 year old man
who is very talented, bright, polite, and sincere as well as caring. I have not been
violent, nor do I have a single weapons charge, but they continue to hold me and pursue
this case (4 months now). I have an attorney appointed to me from the County Court, but
she is entirely no help and cannot find any ground on striking a strike or speak for me. .
. . I am very scared and am alone, with no family, my mom has passed away at a very bad
time in my 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: 12/21/97.