What increases the sentence on a Habitual Offender's third felony up to 30 years?

The correct choice is based on the requirement that a person must accumulate at least two unrelated felony convictions within a 10-year period to be classified as a habitual offender. This classification typically results in enhanced sentencing for subsequent offenses, including a third felony conviction, which can increase the maximum sentence to 30 years.

This approach to habitual offenders is intended to address repeat criminal behavior and to deter individuals from engaging in further felonies after they have already been convicted multiple times. The law specifically considers the pattern of repeated offenses and establishes harsher consequences for those who continue to offend, thus contributing to public safety and the integrity of the judicial system.

Other factors, such as unrelated felony convictions that do not meet the threshold of two within the specified timeframe, or being charged with a misdemeanor, do not contribute to the habitual offender status and, consequently, do not lead to an increased sentence. Additionally, receiving a lesser sentence on previous convictions does not impact the current charge in a way that would stage it as a habitual offense.