Penal Code 186.22 PC states that any crime that is committed to benefit a criminal street gang, is committed in association with a gang or is committed at the direction of a gang is subject to enhanced penalties. This is part of the California Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act (CSTEPA), also referred to as California's street gang enhancement law. People convicted under this enhancement could face the penalties associated with the underlying criminal charge, plus an additional mandatory prison sentence. This additional sentence will be literally added on to the first sentence, often leading to significant amounts of incarceration. It is extremely important to fight allegations of gang-related crimes.
Gang Charges in San Jose
At the Law Offices of Valencia, Ippolito & Bowman, our lawyers bring more than 65 years of combined experience to these cases. Our team includes a former gang prosecutor. We have knowledge of the opposition's tactics in gang-related cases, so you can be confident in our ability to successfully defend you against allegations of gang crimes.
Our law firm has won numerous awards, including being named Criminal Defense Firm of the Year by San Jose Magazine.
All Types of Crimes Can Be Considered Gang Crimes
The underlying charges in gang cases can be anything from drug offenses and assault to theft and property crimes. When defending against these charges in a gang context, we start by attacking the charges themselves. Our motto is: there is no case that cannot be won, negotiated or mitigated.
We will also attack the gang enhancement, striving to prove that the crime was not done to benefit a street gang. Many people face this enhancement even though they are not active participants in gangs. We will try to show that you are not a gang member.
Free Consultation With a San Jose Gang Laws Attorney
When you need the help of a San Jose gang laws lawyer, call our law firm at 877-7NO-JAIL or send us an e-mail. We offer payment plans, credit card payments and evening or weekend consultations. Se habla español.
