California's "Three Strikes" Law Put To The Test

Most people are familiar with California's "Three Strikes" law, a policy which punishes repeat offenders more harshly and imposes a sentence of 25 years to life upon offenders with three "strike" offense priors.  What is not so commonly known is that the story of one man, Douglas Walker (pictured left), majorly inspired lawmakers to implement the stricter sentences the policy proscribes.  "Corrections" is a major misnomer.  Our prison system places very little emphasis on the rehabilitation of its inmates, and the "Three Strikes" law further abandons any hope of improving people during their time behind bars. 

A punitive system that ignores rehabilitation is deeply flawed.  Offenders repeating is as much an indictment of the system tasked with their "correction" as it is a statement about the individuals.  The failure of prison to rehabilitate inmates has been evident for a long time.  And lawmakers have failed to implement reforms. 

In 1992, Walker was involved in a robbery that left an 18 year old victim dead.  The victim's father would later lead advocacy for California's "Three Strikes" law.  Walker served a 9 year sentence for his role in that crime, but was most recently imprisoned for stealing a tool chest.  This week, he was released from prison, which has created some buzz.  The murder victim's family, as well as prosecutors are expecting that Mr. Walker will find himself in trouble again and are concerned for the safety of other potential victims at this time.

The author of the "Three Strikes" law has been quoted as believing that Walker will offend again.  If he does, the policy that gives up on people with multiple convictions could gain favor in the eye of the public.  The way that Walker lives out the rest of his life will undoubtedly have a profound impact on public opinion of the policy.  If Walker stays out of trouble and becomes a valuable, productive member of society, it would call into question the need for 25 to life sentences.  On the other hand, if he hurts someone, the public might wonder why he wasn't kept behind bars longer.

I wish Mr. Walker well and hope that he is able to stay out of trouble.  However, he has spent such a large portion of his life behind bars and is dragged down by his long rap sheet.  Finding gainful employment is difficult for ex-cons, but my faith in humanity extends even to repeat offenders.  Good luck, Mr. Walker.  The fate of many is in your hands.  Prove the lawmakers responsible for this mass incarceration wrong.

UPDATE:  In 2014, Mr. Walker was once again arrested, facing criminal charges, including a strike for criminal threats.  The case is currently ongoing.  Mr. Walker has not yet been found guilty.  Additionally, the victim in the case passed away from a drug overdose, meaning that the government may have a difficult time proving their case.  There are some recorded phone calls and other statements that may be used as evidence in the case, but it is certainly weaker without a victim to testify.  Of course a case can be prosecuted without victim testimony, otherwise no murderer could ever be convicted.  There is no evidence that Mr. Walker was, in any way, responsible for the victim's death, but there are certainly those who have their suspicions.

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a strike offense in California, you need a passionate, aggressive, dedicated attorney on your side to fight for you.  Contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Loncar now for a Free Consultation with a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney.

Best,

Nicholas M. Loncar, Esq. 
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
t: 213-375-3775 | f: 213-375-3099
Mobile: 323-803-4352 
NL@iDefendLosAngeles.com
1200 Wilshire Blvd | Suite 406
Los Angeles, CA | 90017
www.iDefendLosAngeles.com

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By Nicholas Loncar

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