california three strikes law

It was recently reported that a San Diego woman was sentenced to 13 years and 8 months in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping and car jacking charges. Crystal Lynn Buckingham pleaded guilty to avoid a jury trial, in which she could have been sentenced to life imprisonment if found guilty. Buckingham car jacked and kidnapped a woman in a La Mesa mall parking lot in December 2008. Buckingham used a gun in the incident. The victim escaped by jumping out of the car.

Car jacking is defined as the theft of a vehicle by using force or fear. Penalties for a car jacking conviction range from nine years to life in prison, depending on the circumstances. When a kidnapping occurs during the course of a car jacking, California law states that the penalty is life in prison with the possibility of parole. Kidnapping and car jacking both fall under the Three Strikes Law in California as well.

If you or a loved one has been charged with car jacking or kidnapping charges, contact our experienced San Diego criminal defense attorneys at Wallin and Klarich. Wallin & Klarich has over 30 years of experience successfully defending clients against these charges, helping them avoid serious jail time. Our San Diego criminal defense attorneys will begin working on your case right away and ensure that your rights are protected. Please call us at (877) 230-1529 or visit our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.