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(707) 528-1100Gang Crimes Lawyer Serving Sonoma County
When it comes to the definition of “gangs” in the United States, it is generally used in connection to a group of youths. However, the State of California defines a gang as: “criminal street gang means any ongoing organization, association or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, having as one of its primary activities the commission of one or more of the criminal acts, having a common name or common identifying sign or symbol, and whose members individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal gang activity.” If you’ve been accused of a gang-related offense, contact a Santa Rosa Gang Crimes Attorney at Vandyk Law today.
Gang members engage in a higher level of serious and violent crime than their non-gang-involved peers. Research about gangs is often intertwined with research about gun violence and drug crime. There are over 40 known organized gangs in the state of California and it is clear to law enforcement that gangs, guns, drugs, and violence are interconnected.
At the Santa Rosa Criminal Defense Lawyer firm of Vandyk Law, we understand the unique challenges facing individuals charged with gang-related crimes and are prepared to take on the challenges ahead.
Gang charges are serious and are for the most part, “enhancements.” Gang charges can turn misdemeanors into felonies, can make a jail or prison term mandatory, can significantly increase prison time, can qualify as a strike under the Three Strikes Law, and can put someone in prison for life.
Gang enhancements are based on an underlying crime. The underlying crime can be vandalism, a violent crime, a theft offense or a drug charge. If you have been charged with a gang offense in Sonoma County, it is important to retain a criminal attorney that is well versed in gang crimes and fighting the underlying charges.
Many gangs are now looking at more than just simple drug possession or robbery charges, as investigators can tell a jury an entire story involving the structure of gangs and how they operate. We represent individuals in Santa Rosa and throughout Sonoma County charged with all types of gang-related crimes, including:
- Drug trafficking
- Drug distribution
- Enterprise corruption
- Firearms
- Sex crimes
- Hate crimes
- Conspiracy
- Violent crimes (such as murder, assault, kidnapping, robbery, and carjacking).
If you are a minor or an adult who is facing criminal charges for any type of offense that is considered to be gang-related, you are in a precarious position. You may be at risk of facing imprisonment in state prison, probation for an extended period of time, heavy fines, community service, and other serious penalties. Your entire future may be in jeopardy due to the lasting repercussions that a conviction will have on your employment and educational opportunities or even your ability to find housing or obtain a loan. It is crucial that you act quickly to involve an attorney who can protect your interests and concerns.
How a Santa Rosa Gang Crimes Attorney at Vandyk Law Can Help You
Vandyk Law understands and is experienced in both the underlying charges and the gang enhancements. We are familiar with the techniques law enforcement uses to attempt to prove gang conduct. Our team understands how to defend the gang charges and the underlying case. If you or a loved one has been charged with any gang crime you should contact a Santa Rosa gang-related offenses attorney at Vandyk Law today at (707) 528-1100. Our attorneys will provide the legal assistance and representation you deserve in your gang-related criminal case. Contact us today for a confidential legal consultation and to discuss your case and defense strategies with an experienced Sonoma County gang-related offenses attorney.
