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If you or a loved one has been arrested and accused of gang-related criminal activity, the consequences of a conviction could be dire. Prosecutors take these cases extremely seriously, pursuing lengthy sentences and enhanced penalties. Don’t let gang allegations derail your life – protect your rights and future by securing skilled legal representation immediately.
At the David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, our criminal defense attorneys advocate for those facing gang charges in San Diego. From challenging illegally obtained evidence to raising affirmative defenses, we leave no stone unturned in building a legal strategy aimed at the best possible resolution. With your freedom on the line, you need a proven gang crimes lawyer fighting for you every step of the way. Contact us today to discuss your options.
California Penal Code Section 186.22 defines a criminal street gang as an ongoing organization or group of three or more people that share a common name or identifying symbol and engage in a pattern of criminal gang activity.
This statute covers two main areas: substantive gang charges and sentencing enhancements for gang-related crimes. On the substantive side, Penal Code Section 186.22(a) makes it a crime to actively participate in a criminal street gang and assist in its felonious conduct. However, this requires far more than simply associating with alleged gang members. Prosecutors must prove:
Merely being in the same neighborhood or social circle as gang affiliates is insufficient. There must be evidence you knowingly participated in and promoted the gang’s crimes. This prevents the law from being unconstitutionally overbroad.
The other major component of Penal Code Section 186.22 is “gang enhancements.” These enhancements allow for drastically increased sentences if you committed a felony to benefit a gang. But again, the intent element is crucial; prosecutors must show the underlying crime was purposefully committed to aid the gang, not merely that you have potential gang ties.
The penalties for violations of California’s criminal street gang laws under Penal Code Section 186.22 are extremely harsh, with potential life sentences in some cases.
For the substantive gang participation charge under PC § 186.22(a):
The real danger often lies in the sentencing enhancements under PC § 186.22(b) for gang-related felonies, including:
If the underlying charges are specific felonies like home invasion, carjacking, extortion or dissuading a witness, then the gang enhancement can carry up to lifetime imprisonment.
These enhancements allow what may have been a relatively minor felony to become a potential life sentence simply due to perceived gang involvement or motivation. Prosecutors also frequently stack other enhancements like those for firearms, great bodily injury, or hate crimes.
With so much at stake, having strong legal representation from an experienced gang crimes defense lawyer is imperative. An attorney can scrutinize the evidence, challenge gang allegations, and pursue the best possible resolution through dismissals, charge reductions, or mitigated sentencing.
The odds are stacked against you when facing gang charges. But remember, you have constitutional rights and a criminal defense law firm nearby that can help you assert them. You’re innocent until the state proves you guilty, and the prosecution bears the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, we make sure the courts hear your voice at every stage of the criminal justice process.
We make this happen by:
If you’re facing gang charges in San Diego, seek legal help today. The sooner you involve our attorneys, the better. We offer confidential consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options. You don’t have to take on the criminal justice system alone or leave your fate in the hands of an overworked public defender. Contact us today to discuss your options.
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in California, swift action is imperative. The penalties can be life altering and long lasting. Give us a call today to set up a case evaluation with one of our attorneys and learn how to best protect your freedom and future. Too often, we see clients who “wait and see,” unsure of the legal landscape ahead, only for charges to escalate. They then find themselves backpedaling into a bad defense and an even worse lawyer. Don’t let that happen to you. Protect your freedom. Protect your future. Know your rights.
The contents of this article are meant for informational and marketing purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the blog does not form an attorney-client relationship. No statements in this post are a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of a particular result in your case.
Here’s what you need to know to regain control of your future
You have questions. We have answers. Check out our answers to some of the more frequently asked questions (FAQs) below. Want more information or have a question not answered here about how you can regain control of your future if charged with a crime? Give us a call at (619) 295-3555.
Yes, under California Penal Code Section 186.22(a), actively participating in a criminal street gang is a crime in and of itself. Even if you don’t personally commit any other illegal acts, you can face felony charges simply for intentionally promoting or assisting in the gang’s felonious conduct. This is why casual associations alone are typically not enough for a conviction – prosecutors must prove active, knowing involvement.
To meet the legal definition of a “criminal street gang” under Penal Code Section 186.22, the group must consist of three or more people with a common name/symbol, when one of their primary activities involves committing criminal offenses, and they engage in a pattern of criminal gang activity. Simply being a club, social group, or loose affiliation of individuals is not enough without evidence of their organized criminality.
The penalties for gang-related violent crimes in California depend on the underlying felony offense but are substantially enhanced under Penal Code Section 186.22(b). While the felony itself may carry a sentence of months or years, the gang enhancement can add anywhere from 4 years to life in prison on top of that base sentence.
“I came to David Shapiro to end my probation early and expunge my case. I had a very positive and very informative experience with him. David and his assistant Maria were excellent and always kept in the loop of what was going on.”
“Helping good people get their lives back is not just a catch phrase. They mean what they say and are serious about taking care of the client. Ally Keegan and the team at Law Office of David Shapiro are AMAZING! My charges for a 25 plus year old case were dismissed, it was not easy but I truly believe that if I had went with any other Law Firm that the outcome would have been very different. Thank you Ally for helping me get my life back!”
“I called many lawyers after I got my DUI. Stefano was the only lawyer who put my mind at ease and gave me a sense of relief. He constantly communicated with me about my case and laid out all my options. He was willing and able to do whatever he could to help me. He went above and beyond what was expected.”
“I have used David 2 times in the past and he has by far exceeded my expectations. He has great knowledge and knows the system. He is straight forward and honest and somebody you can trust without doubt. I would recommend him to friends, family, and anybody that needs help. Best attorney I’ve ever come across.”
“Stefano Molea was extremely professional and consistently timely with responses to my questions. Most of all, Stefano was reliable. Stefano was diligent with discovery and always prepared and tenacious when relevant to the situation. Stefano is an attorney that you can count on for the best outcome. Thank you Stefano for all you did in my case. You’re so awesome!!!!”
“Ally was an absolute pleasure to work with. Her calm and reassuring demeanor was matched with her excellent knowledge, dedication, thoroughness. We unfortunately found ourselves in need of a criminal lawyer and we can without a doubt say that having Ally and her firm represent us from the beginning was the best choice we could have made.”
