The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 included a "Three Strikes" provision, which is now codified at 18 U.S.C. § 3559(c). Under § 3559(c) a defendant will receive mandatory life imprisonment if he or she:

1. • is convicted in federal court of a "serious violent felony" and
2. • has two or more prior convictions in federal or state courts, at least one of which is a "serious violent felony." The other prior offense may be a "serious drug offense."

On March 13, 1995, the Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division issued a memorandum to all United States Attorneys regarding the "Three Strikes" law.

[updated January 2020] [cited in JM 9-63.1200]