Three Strikes and Habitual Offender Laws in Georgia

How Georgia law treats three strikes and habitual offender laws, from the state code and official state agencies.

Short answer: Georgia's recidivist law has several tiers. A person previously convicted and sentenced to confinement for a felony who commits another felony must receive the longest sentence for the new offense, though the judge may probate or suspend it unless another law says otherwise. O.C.G.A. § 17-10-7(a)-(c), (b.1)

Three strikes and habitual offender laws	Georgia's recidivist law has several tiers. A person previously convicted and sentenced to confinement for a felony who commits another felony must receive the longest sentence for the new offense, though the judge may probate or suspend it unless another law says otherwise. A second conviction for a 'serious violent felony' (as defined in § 17-10-6.1(a)) requires life without parole if death is not imposed. After three prior felony convictions, a fourth felony brings the maximum sentence the judge imposes, with no parole until the maximum is served (certain drug possession convictions are excluded from these rules). § 17-10-6.1(a), which lists the serious violent felonies, was not read. Check against the official code. Source: O.C.G.A. § 17-10-7(a)-(c), (b.1)

Three strikes and habitual offender laws

Georgia's recidivist law has several tiers. A person previously convicted and sentenced to confinement for a felony who commits another felony must receive the longest sentence for the new offense, though the judge may probate or suspend it unless another law says otherwise. A second conviction for a 'serious violent felony' (as defined in § 17-10-6.1(a)) requires life without parole if death is not imposed. After three prior felony convictions, a fourth felony brings the maximum sentence the judge imposes, with no parole until the maximum is served (certain drug possession convictions are excluded from these rules).

§ 17-10-6.1(a), which lists the serious violent felonies, was not read. Check against the official code.

Source: O.C.G.A. § 17-10-7(a)-(c), (b.1)

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FAQ

Does Georgia have a three strikes law?

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.