Government proposes changes to Three Strikes law.
The Government has agreed to modify the Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Bill, aimed at reinstating the Three Strikes law with tougher consequences for repeat offenders. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says the changes are in response to public feedback.
Cabinet has proposed lowering the qualifying sentence threshold from over 24 months imprisonment to more than 12 months at the first strike. This means that more offenders will face stiffer penalties if they go on to commit serious crimes. The threshold remains at over 24 months for second and third strikes, reserving harsher penalties for severe offending.
The changes also involve reactivating warning notices from the previous regime, where they meet the new threshold. Those who received strike warnings under the old law will retain these warnings in the new regime and face consequences if they continue to offend.
The modifications aim to deter repeat offenders and protect victims of serious crimes. The Coalition Government is committed to restoring law and order by enforcing tougher penalties for worst-case scenarios, giving New Zealanders a sense of safety in their communities.