While California is famous for both the beauty of its landscape and so many of the residents dwelling there, it is also known for a dark underbelly of crime and street gangs, with around 200,000 known members living throughout. Areas such as Los Angeles keep a comprehensive database of gang members, generally defined as individuals who are engaged in or assisting in criminal activity. While many gangs continue to thrive on their own momentum, many are tied to organized crime, including the Mexican mafia who often control members from inside prison.
Memberships in gangs continue to grow as they pull from the younger generations who may come from abusive or broken homes and are seeking the close-knit feeling of being in a family, hoping for a sense of belonging. In exchange, younger gang members offer their loyalty—and may end up in big trouble after doing so, upon being arrested on drug or gun charges, or even connected with violent crimes.
If your child has been detained by authorities due to a gang-related crime, seek legal help from a firm like the Dolan Law Offices as soon as possible. While your child may or may not in a gang, being charged with a gang-related crime can lead to exponentially worse penalties, from being put in a foster home or a camp, or even a prison populated by adults if they are close enough in age or the crime was considered severe enough.
For adults, gangs may be enticing as they offer protection against rival gangs or other threatening individuals, and offer a sense of brotherhood; unfortunately, there may also be crimes involved and multiple run-ins with law enforcement. Typical gang crimes include drug dealing and smuggling, fraud, and violent crimes like armed robbery and murder.
If you have been charged with a gang offense, consult with Dolan Law Offices as soon as possible. An otherwise relatively minor charge can hold a potential life sentence if there is a Gang Enhancement alleged.
While California does promote harsh sentencing for gang crimes. many times, those charged are not actually in gangs, but may have friends or family or neighbors who participate in a gang, or there may be a simple case of mistaken identity. Simply knowing gang members can result in gang enhancement allegations.
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.