Three‑Strikes Law Litigation

Challenging life sentence risks under Florida’s “Three-Strikes” law. As a criminal justice attorney in North Miami, Florida, we build aggressive mitigation strategies to reduce charges and seek sentence relief whenever possible.

Florida’s Three-Strikes law imposes some of the harshest penalties in the country on repeat felony offenders. Individuals facing their third felony—especially if the previous offenses were considered violent or serious—risk a mandatory life sentence without parole. At Reynoso Erickson Trial Law, PA, we know how to fight back against these devastating consequences. Whether you or your loved one is facing charges that could trigger this sentencing enhancement, we act quickly to challenge the designation, reduce the charges, or present mitigating evidence to protect your future. Our legal team understands how to navigate the strict statutory guidelines and find the legal room needed to pursue alternatives to life behind bars.

What Qualifies as a “Strike” Under Florida Law?

The Three-Strikes law is intended to target repeat violent offenders, but its broad language can apply to a wide variety of charges. Qualifying offenses include:

• Armed robbery or aggravated burglary
• Sexual battery or molestation
• Assault or battery on a law enforcement officer
• Kidnapping or false imprisonment
• Carjacking, arson, or home invasion

If you have two prior convictions for these or other qualifying crimes, a third charge may automatically trigger a life sentence. Many individuals do not realize how even non-violent felonies, if classified as “forcible,” can count as strikes. Our firm evaluates the legal classification of your prior convictions to identify opportunities to argue that they don’t meet strike criteria. We also assess whether your current charges were overcharged or filed inappropriately, which may allow for pre-trial motions or plea deals to eliminate the strike potential entirely.

Defending Against Strike-Enhanced Sentences

Our defense strategies focus on several angles to challenge Three-Strikes cases:

• Factual defenses: Disputing the underlying offense itself to secure a dismissal or not-guilty verdict.
• Charge reduction: Negotiating with prosecutors to file charges not categorized as strike-eligible.
• Challenging prior strikes: If past convictions lacked legal representation, were outside the statute of limitations, or did not meet current definitions, we argue for their exclusion.
• Mitigation: Presenting evidence of rehabilitation, mental health challenges, or coercion to influence sentencing outcomes.

In many cases, the prosecution may pursue maximum penalties without considering your current circumstances or the full context of past convictions. Our role is to force that conversation and present a human picture that might otherwise be ignored.

Legal Motions and Post-Conviction Relief Options

Even after a conviction, all is not lost. Our firm pursues multiple legal avenues for sentence relief, including:

• Post-conviction motions: Challenging the legality or constitutionality of a sentence.
• Rule 3.850 motions: Addressing ineffective counsel, newly discovered evidence, or improper plea advisements.
• Appellate review: Bringing your case before a higher court to re-evaluate procedural or substantive errors in trial court.
• Sentence modification: Where applicable, seeking judicial discretion to reclassify or resentence based on mitigating factors.

We stay with our clients through all stages—from pre-trial strategy to post-sentencing relief—because the fight doesn’t end with a single verdict.

Why Early Legal Intervention Matters

Timing is critical in Three-Strikes cases. Once charges are filed, the clock starts ticking on your options. Early legal intervention gives us time to collect evidence, challenge enhancement notices, and negotiate with prosecutors before the courtroom is even entered. We also coordinate with mitigation specialists, psychologists, and family support structures to present the court with a well-rounded, persuasive picture of who you are beyond the file. If you’ve been arrested and told you’re facing a third strike, don’t wait—contact us immediately so we can protect your future from the very first step.

Facing a potential third strike in Florida can feel like the end—but with the right legal team, it doesn’t have to be. At Reynoso Erickson Trial Law, PA, we challenge harsh sentencing enhancements head-on with knowledge, urgency, and a commitment to every client’s future. If you or a loved one is up against Florida’s Three-Strikes law, reach out today and let us begin the fight that could change everything.