San Jose Gang Crime Defense Lawyer

California Gang Enhancement Laws

Gang crimes often involve violence, illegal possession and use of weapons, drug and alcohol abuse, theft, and more. Since gang culture has become prevalent throughout California, state lawmakers have enacted criminal laws that increase penalties for anyone involved a gang-related offense.

California has “gang enhancement” laws, which allow courts to hand down harsher (“enhanced”) sentences if the crime in question was related to the accused person’s gang involvement. This means you could be on the hook for more prison time, more community service, larger fines, and longer probation if you were actively involved in a gang at the time you allegedly committed the crime in question.

Under the California Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act found in Cal. Penal Code § 186.22, a judge may enhance your sentence in the following ways:

• 2-4 extra years for felony crimes, at the court’s discretion

• 5 extra years for serious felony crimes, such as shooting a police officer, assaulting a domestic partner, and making certain criminal threats

• 10 extra years for violent felony crimes, such as sexual assault, extortion, and offenses that cause serious bodily injury to another person

• 15 extra years for felony crimes involving burglary, robbery, carjacking, automobile theft, firing a gun into an inhabited building, or firing a gun out of a moving vehicle

• Any amount of extra time that the judge deems necessary if the crime in question was committed within 1,000 feet of a school during school hours

• Increasing punishment to a life sentence for felony murder involving firearms, burglary, or carjacking

In short, California’s gang enhancement laws could mean a much longer prison sentence for you, regardless of what sort of crime you are accused of committing. Steven H. Nakano is a seasoned San Jose gang crime defense attorney who understands the system and can help you pursue the best possible outcome in your case.

Call (844) 983-3011 today to speak with a San Jose gang crime defense attorney and request a free consultation as soon as possible.

Steven H. Nakano Provides Strategically Aggressive Advocacy for Every Client

In addition to providing aggressive legal representation and strategically advancing your interests in court, Mr. Nakano cares deeply for his clients and works alongside a certified counselor to recommend helpful services for those who need it. In fact, approximately 80% of Mr. Nakano’s clients have undergone helpful treatment.

Depending on your needs, Mr. Nakano and the counselor assigned to your case may include resources such as:

• Drug and alcohol rehabilitation

• Substance abuse therapy

• Mental health counseling

• Community-based support

Steven H. Nakano, Attorney at Law, has been serving clients in Santa Clara County for more than 35 years and understands the needs of clients who have been involved in criminal gang activity. He has decades of experience serving people like you and has the expertise necessary to help you obtain a more positive result in your criminal case. Attorney Nakano is willing to go to trial if necessary, but he takes a client-centered approach to legal service, meaning that his primary objective is to pursue your best interests.

Mr. Nakano is also prepared to provide legal services in Spanish to clients in the Santa Clara County area. Call (844) 983-3011 today to get started.