Henry Nicholas III, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, was indicted on 21 charges including drug possessions, drug distribution, and spiking drinks of unknowing victims with the drug ecstasy. Nicholas is the one who funded the last minute effort to defeat Proposition 66, which would have modified the 3 Strikes Law, and result in the release of 3 Strikers with nonviolent misdemeanor offenses. His current project, is the voter initiative that will be on the November ballot titled: “Marsy’s Law.” According to current Federal law a life-term may be imposed if convicted on a number of charges. In the State of California, his charges could result in multiple Three Strike sentences being handed down.
“Marsy’s Law” results in turning most life “with” the possibility of parole, into a life “without” parole. The passing of these laws would increase the length of parole denial from that of one year to a maximum of five years, to that of a minimum of three years and a maximum of 15 year denial. This process would suppose that the “normal” denial would be for 15 years.
This law seems to be intended to be applied retroactively, so, even a seven-to-life sentence, would suddenly jump to a 15-to-life upon appearing in front of the board after this law is enacted. Henry Nicholas’s daughter, Marsy, was murdered in the early ‘80s, and he has taken to using his wealth to support what are harsh penalties for all prisoners. Marsy’s law also will undo court settlements that required Parole Violators be given certain due process rights.
Information indicates that Mr. Nicholas is undergoing treatment for abuse of alcohol. Like many prisoners, he is being introduced to a 12-step program which teaches tolerance and forgiveness. Perhaps a second chance for everyone, including himself, would be a good thing…