Bill > H2204

This bill proposes to amend existing Massachusetts law to establish a new sentencing provision for individuals convicted of multiple violent offenses. Specifically, it introduces a new section that mandates a life imprisonment sentence for anyone convicted of a third or subsequent "act of violence," provided they have previously been convicted of at least two separate acts of violence that were not part of the same incident. An "act of violence" is defined to include serious crimes such as murder, manslaughter, assault with intent to murder or maim, assault with a dangerous weapon, armed burglary, criminal sexual assault and rape, certain sex offenses involving children or sexually violent offenses, and conspiracy to commit any of these enumerated crimes. Importantly, prior convictions from other states or federal law can count if they are substantially similar to these listed offenses and would be considered felonies in Massachusetts. The prosecution must notify the defendant in writing at least 30 days before trial if they intend to seek this enhanced punishment, and any sentence imposed under this provision will make the offender ineligible for parole.