It’s no secret that joining a gang is a bad decision leading to nowhere—except more bad decisions and probably jail or prison, or an early grave. In California, gangs are unfortunately prevalent, and they begin inducting members who are sometimes as young as elementary school students. Kids become more and more vulnerable as they approach puberty and are concerned about peer pressure, often succumbing to it to be accepted; they may also have difficult home lives which exaggerate the need to find ‘a family’ elsewhere. Although many are terrified and coerced, others are too young to consider the legal consequences while they enjoy the adrenaline flow and begin taking more and more risks to impress gangs and rise in the ranks.
Drugs are a big part of the gang life, but usually only specific gangs are seriously into such sales, leaving the dirty work to younger associates who may work very long hours for little compensation for their criminal activity. Guns and weapons are commonplace, along with extreme amounts of violence and brutality—and much of it just continues even when gang members are behind bars. Unfortunately, whether in initiations, attempts to earn their stripes or gain revenge, or in prison altercations and politics, younger gang members may be connected to killings.
If you have been charged with gang-related crimes, consult with a skilled attorney from the Dolan Law Offices now, whether you have been accused of drug possession or trafficking, assault and battery, or even worse, homicide. You may have even been accused of ‘gang-related’ crimes when you do not belong to a gang at all. This could simply be due to the neighborhood where you grew up or where you live now—and the same types of issues could be affecting your child if they have been arrested. Gang-related crimes can carry harsher penalties, so it is very important that you have strong legal representation to make the truth clear in court.
Even a minor conviction could be impacted by gang involvement, causing significantly more jail time. Law enforcement officers usually also have access to databases listing gang members, so misidentification should not be as much of an issue. Being charged with drugs or murder or manslaughter is not only terrifying, but a very serious situation, and you need the best attorney possible—and preferably to be with you before you say anything to law enforcement or anyone else.
If you need legal assistance with a criminal matter, please call the Dolan Law Offices now. We will listen carefully to your concerns, review your case, and offer advice based on many years of experience. John Patrick Dolan understands California’s complex criminal defense laws including drug charges, white collar crimes, DUI, domestic violence, sexual assault charges, and violent & serious felonies. At the Dolan Law Offices, we provide the experience you need to help you fight for your rights and best interests. Call us at (760) 775-3739 or contact us online as soon as possible.