Final answer:
The length of time points for serious offenses stay on a record depends on the offense and jurisdiction, with some having life-long consequences. The "three strikes" law illustrates how repeat nonviolent felony convictions could result in life imprisonment, and points assigned by the federal system can influence the severity of sentencing. In some states, a felony conviction can lead to lifelong disenfranchisement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The duration that points for serious offenses stay on a person's record can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and nature of the offense. Typically, once an individual is found guilty of one or more offenses, a judge or the legal system in place will determine the appropriate sentence. In extreme cases, such as the "three strikes" law that was peak during the law-and-order movement in the 1990s, repeat offenders for felony convictions could face life imprisonment without parole, even for nonviolent crimes, leading to permanent marks on their records.
Furthermore, conditions can be harsh for those who have served their sentence, as seen in the case of Strickland, who over a decade later is still impacted by her felony conviction which in some states, like Mississippi, results in lifelong disenfranchisement. This situation highlights the long-term consequences of serious offenses and the stigma of felony convictions.
In terms of points assigned to offenses, which may influence the severity of the sentence, the federal system utilizes sentencing guidelines that assign point values to various criminal acts. While a defendant found not guilty is released, those with convictions can have points remain on their record for varying lengths of time, typically several years, and can influence one's legal status and rights, like voting.