North Hollywood Gang Crime Lawyers

California takes gang-related activities seriously. If you find yourself facing gang charges in Los Angeles County, it’s natural to feel confused and apprehensive about what the days, weeks, and months ahead may hold for you.

At Wegman & Levin, Our Los Angeles gang crime lawyers are committed to helping you understand what to expect during the criminal justice process while vigorously defending your rights and your freedom at every turn.

Types of Gang-Related Charges in California

Under Section 186.22 of the California Penal Code, “Any person who actively participates in any criminal street gang with knowledge that its members engage in, or have engaged in, a pattern of criminal gang activity, and who willfully promotes, furthers, or assists in any felonious criminal conduct by members of that gang” may face criminal charges.

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must establish that you promoted, furthered, or assisted a gang in engaging in a felony-level gang related crime. Additionally, prosecutors may pursue felony charges instead of misdemeanor charges against you if they can demonstrate that the offense was associated with gang activity.

Gang-related criminal charges can cover a broad array of offenses, including violent crimes such as assault with a deadly weapon, homicide charges, and domestic violence charges. Drug crimes and sex crimes are also frequently linked to gang activity and can result in serious felony cases. The law treats gang-related criminal offenses with heightened scrutiny, often leading to enhanced prison sentences if gang enhancements are applied.

Penalties and Sentencing Enhancements

If the court convicts you of gang-related felonious activities, you could face up to one year in county jail or between 16 months to 3 years in state prison. Even if you are not part of a gang, you can still face gang enhancement penalties.

For instance, if prosecutors can establish that you committed a felony that benefitted a gang somehow, you could face additional years in prison (on top of the sentence you received for the underlying felony offense). Once you’ve completed the terms of your sentence, you may encounter obstacles to finding employment and housing because of your criminal history.

California’s gang enhancement laws under the California Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention (STEP) Act allow prosecutors to seek additional penalties if they prove the gang related crime was committed to benefit or promote gang members or gang-related violence. These enhancements can add anywhere from two to four years to your sentence, and in cases involving serious felonies or violent crimes, an additional five to ten years may be imposed.

Moreover, gang-related criminal convictions can trigger sex offender registration requirements if sex crimes are involved, further complicating your legal situation. The criminal justice system takes these charges seriously, and having a skilled legal team is essential to navigate the complex legal process and challenge the prosecution’s case effectively.

A Los Angeles gang crime lawyer experienced in handling gang-related criminal cases can provide vital legal guidance. They can scrutinize witness statements, investigate the circumstances of your arrest, and identify any unlawful search or insufficient evidence that could lead to your case being dismissed or charges reduced. Early intervention by an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical to developing a robust defense strategy and protecting your rights throughout the proceedings.

Defending Your Reputation from Gang Crime Related Charges

Whether you’re facing gang-related charges or prosecutors are pursuing gang sentencing enhancements on top of a felony offense, you need reliable and effective criminal defense services as soon as possible.

At Wegman & Levin, our Los Angeles gang crime lawyers work vigorously to uphold our clients’ legal rights while seeking to obtain a favorable outcome. Your future matters to us—reach out today to our criminal defense lawyers to discuss your situation with a trusted attorney.