California is known for palm trees, movie stars, Rodeo Drive where everyone has a fancy car and walks around with a lot of shopping bags, and sunshine–homicides are not something we want to think about. California is a state that many feel they could only aspire to living in, and dream of making a trip across the coast to tour. But visitors may be extremely surprised to find out what a substantial gang presence exists in California, and especially in areas like Los Angeles.
Sadly, the problem continues to grow too. Today, neighborhoods are still divided, but there are even more chances for a beef to grow over social media such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram—just to name a few online venues. More kids than ever are getting involved in gangs, drugs, and are dropping out of, or being kicked out of, public schools. Younger gang members may be taking guns to school and engaging in criminal activity there too.
Even worse, gun-related homicides have increased in the Los Angeles area, with more people being killed than law enforcement officials have seen since 2008. Overall crime has been on the increase too according to news:
“Certainly since the Sandy Hook (school shooting in 2012), there has been a large number of gun sales and I think that the fear that there may be some gun control that might restrict gun buying has hugely made a difference in gun sales,” said Jennie Singer, an associate professor in the division of criminal justice at California State University, Sacramento. “The more guns that are simply available, physically on the streets and in the community, the more gun violence there will be.”
Statistic show also that most gun-related crimes are committed by those who have stolen guns—they are not usually registered directly to the person. If a family member is in a gang, or you are worried that one of your children are becoming immersed, it is important to be lines of communication open, along with taking every opportunity to educated them on the dangers of joining gangs, losing out on school, going to jail, and more. Peer pressure is a big problem, along with guidance from good role models.
If you or your minor child have been charged with a gang crime, call Dolan Law Offices as soon as possible. We have defended hundreds of adults and juveniles in these matters, with successful results—and it is very important to try and avoid a gang crime conviction that would be on your child’s record permanently, leading to further escalation if there were another charge in the future. Call us at (760) 775-3739 or contact us online as soon as possible.