What is the “three strikes” law in Utah designed to do?

The "three strikes" law in Utah is designed to impose longer sentences for repeat offenders of certain serious crimes, typically violent felonies. This law operates on the principle that individuals who have committed multiple serious offenses demonstrate a pattern of criminal behavior that poses a greater risk to public safety. Under this legal framework, upon a third conviction for a specified serious crime, the offender faces significantly enhanced penalties, which can include life sentences or much longer prison terms compared to what they would receive for their first two offenses.

This approach serves as both a deterrent against repeat offenses and a means to protect society from individuals who repeatedly violate the law. The intention is not to provide leniency for initial offenses or to modify how misdemeanors are handled; rather, it's a strict measure focused on habitual offenders. Each additional strike adds to the severity of the punishment, emphasizing the importance of addressing recidivism effectively in the criminal justice system.