What is Gang Enhancement?
In California, the gang enhancement law subjects those who are arrested for other offenses to mandatory prison time above and beyond what they would serve for the underlying felony if they are a member of or associated with a gang.
At Bay Area Criminal Lawyers, PC our gang enhancements lawyers are committed to protecting your legal rights and freedom. Those in the areas surrounding San Francisco can count on Bay Area Criminal Lawyers for unparalleled legal guidance and a strong, aggressive defense.
As experienced gang crime defense attorneys, we realize that prosecutors often use the gang enhancement law to up the ante, so to speak. This means that if you are arrested for shoplifting or another minor offense normally considered a misdemeanor, an allegation of being involved in a street gang can up the offense to a felony charge with severe consequences if convicted. If you or a loved one are facing gang enhancement charges, it is essential that you consult with a competent gang enhancements defense attorney right away.
At Bay Area Criminal Lawyers, PC our gang crimes defense attorneys realize that although the prosecutor may charge you with a gang enhancement, it does not mean that the charges cannot be dismissed. As qualified lawyers, our job is to make sure that sentencing enhancement does not “stick.” You do not have to be an active member of a gang to be given a gang enhancement by prosecutors. If it can be proved that you committed a felony and that the crime was committed at the direction of or to benefit a criminal street gang, your sentence may be enhanced. Additionally, the seriousness of the original felony that you were arrested for affects the length of additional time you will serve.
How will a gang enhancements defense attorney protect your legal rights so that you can avoid severe penalties/punishment? It is every lawyer’s objective to have the charges against his/her client dismissed or reduced. Our gang crimes defense lawyers have several options when it comes to gang enhancements. We will determine the best defense strategy to use in your individual case. We may be able to prove that you are not an active member of a gang, that you did not commit the crime to benefit a street gang, or that the enhancement is inappropriate or illegal. In some cases we may choose to fight the underlying felony charges; if successful, you cannot receive a gang enhancement.
