Final answer:
A person convicted for the third time within 7 years is guilty of a Class E felony, which typically includes a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 days imprisonment. Legal precedents ensure that any factors increasing a sentence must be proved beyond reasonable doubt. Such laws can affect the balance of democracy and individuals’ rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
A person convicted for the THIRD and any subsequent offense within 7 years is guilty of a Class E felony.
A sentence for a Class E felony typically includes a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 days imprisonment. However, it is important to note that legal cases such as Apprendi v. New Jersey require that any fact which increases the penalty for a crime beyond the prescribed statutory maximum must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt and submitted to a jury. This ensures that the rights of defendants are protected under the law.
The passage of laws that impose stricter penalties can often be seen as an effort to dissuade and control behaviors, such as protesting. The implications of such laws can have a profound impact on society's stability and the balance of democracy when they are seen as repressing rights.