Felons with "four strikes" now face at least 25 years

Violent felons convicted of four offenses now face at least 25 years in prison, under a law signed by Governor Rick Snyder.

In a written statement, Governor Snyder says the new law holds chronic offenders accountable, while giving some peace of mind to victims and their families. 

There are 47 offenses covered by the new “four strikes” law. They include kidnapping and rape, as well as armed robbery, home invasion, and weapons violations. Governor Snyder says guaranteeing chronic violent offenders a 25-year prison stay will give some peace of mind to victims and their families.

State Attorney General Bill Schuette was the first to call for the tougher sentences. His office figures the new penalty will affect about 25 felons a year. The penalty could add millions of dollars to corrections spending.

Some critics of new mandatory sentences say it would be better to direct more felons into treatment and rehabilitation programs.