FWIW, it&#x27;s not just three strikes.<p>In Texas, for example, charges can be enhanced, up one level (Class A&#x2F;B&#x2F;C misdemeanors and felonies) for a single prior conviction.<p>The enhanced charge then later, becomes leverage to further enhance future charges.<p>It has resulted in some odd sentences, including 16 years for shoplifting a candy bar.  This was someone with lots of prior charges, but all of them for relatively minor shoplifting offenses.  The felonies mentioned in his history were &quot;enhanced&quot; charges.<p><a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;lubbockonline.com&#x2F;stories&#x2F;070100&#x2F;sta_0701000106.shtml#.VnqiqmwVhBc" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;lubbockonline.com&#x2F;stories&#x2F;070100&#x2F;sta_0701000106.shtml...</a>