Defending Gang Related Crimes in Santa Ana

Enhancements of Charges & Penalties for Gang-Related Crime

Per Section 186.22 of the California Penal Code, commonly referred to as The Criminal Street Gang Enhancement Law, individuals convicted of a crime face increased penalties if they or the crime were gang-related. Offenses typically associated with gang crime include assault, aggravated assault, battery, robbery, gun possession, other weapon offenses, arson, vandalism and graffiti. Police may judge you to be a gang member if you are wearing clothing of a certain color or if you have seen to be associating or known to be communicating with gang members.

When you have a Santa Ana criminal lawyer fighting by your side, each aspect of your case can be dissected, investigated and contested in the battle for your rights and freedom. The circumstances of your arrest and all evidence against you can be reviewed and an investigation undertaken to identify any facts or evidence in your favor. Your legal counsel can work to establish rights, violations, inadmissibility of evidence, doubt as to your guilt and doubt as to any gang association. Any of these may lead to the charges against you being reduced or dropped, gang enhancements removed, or an acquittal being achieved.

Santa Ana Criminal Defense Attorney

With his background of 18 years as a gang homicide prosecutor with the Orange County District Attorney's Office, Mr. Schaffer is in an incredibly unique position when it comes to defending game crime charges. He was also responsible for training police officers and other DA's of the Orange County Gang Investigator's Association and instructing them on how to qualify a gang. As a leader in the field, his broad understanding of the subject gives our firm a tremendous advantage in the fight for your freedom.

If you have been accused of committing a crime in connection with a gang, contact a Santa Ana criminal defense lawyer immediately.