All Laws Decoded

Three Strikes and Habitual Offender Laws in Pennsylvania

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

Short answer: Pennsylvania's repeat violent offender law sets mandatory minimums for 'crimes of violence' (including third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, rape, aggravated assault causing or attempting serious injury, robbery and kidnapping, among others). 42 Pa.C.S. § 9714(a), (a.1), (e), (g)

Three strikes and habitual offender lawsPennsylvania's repeat violent offender law sets mandatory minimums for 'crimes of violence' (including third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, rape, aggravated assault causing or attempting serious injury, robbery and kidnapping, among others). A second crime of violence carries at least 10 years of total confinement; a third (after two prior convictions from separate transactions) carries at least 25 years, and the court may impose life without parole if 25 years is insufficient to protect the public. The maximum must be twice the mandatory minimum, and probation or a lesser sentence is not allowed.
Source: 42 Pa.C.S. § 9714(a), (a.1), (e), (g)

More Pennsylvania criminal law

FAQ

Does Pennsylvania have a three strikes law?
Pennsylvania's repeat violent offender law sets mandatory minimums for 'crimes of violence' (including third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, rape, aggravated assault causing or attempting serious injury, robbery and kidnapping, among others). A second crime of violence carries at least 10 years of total confinement; a third (after two prior convictions from separate transactions) carries at least 25 years, and the court may impose life without parole if 25 years is insufficient to protect the public. The maximum must be twice the mandatory minimum, and probation or a lesser sentence is not allowed.

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.