SB3347 Summary

• Creates a new "habitual violent offender" classification for persons convicted twice of felonies containing the element of intentional or knowing infliction of great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement, followed by a third such felony offense.

• Requires mandatory natural life imprisonment for habitual violent offenders, except when the death penalty is imposed.

• Applies to third offenses committed after December 31, 2012, with a 20-year lookback period from the first conviction (excluding time in custody) and requires imprisonment sentences on the first two convictions.

• Prior convictions cannot be disclosed during trial but must be presented after conviction in a separate hearing where the defendant has the right to challenge them with legal representation.

• Permits courts to vacate previously imposed sentences and impose new sentences under the habitual violent offender provisions upon establishing prior qualifying convictions.