Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
Crimes by Code
Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
California DUI
DUI arrests don't always lead to convictions in court. Police officer mistakes, faulty breathalyzers and crime lab errors may get your charges reduced or dismissed. Visit our California DUI page to learn more.
Post Conviction
A criminal record can affect job, immigration, licensing and even housing opportunities. In this section, we offer solutions for clearing up your prior record.
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In April 2016, a federal class-action lawsuit was filed against the “Lunada Bay Boys,” a group of surfers in Palos Verdes Estates, California who are known for intimidating and keeping visitors from surfing at their favorite beach. The suit alleges that they are a “criminal street gang” which should be banned from gathering together under California law.
Surfers – and any other groups – in Orange County or elsewhere in California can be designated a “criminal street gang.” They can be prosecuted under special laws that include enhanced penalties when certain acts are committed by the gang or its members.
What is a “Criminal Street Gang”?
As defined in the “California Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act” (California Penal Code Section 186.22(a)), a “criminal street gang” is a group of three or more people which:
Determining what constitutes a “pattern of criminal activity” for purposes of California’s criminal street gang statute can be complicated, but generally, it means:
Participation in a gang in Orange County can itself be a crime under California law. The penalties for participation in a gang, in violation of Penal Code 186.22(a), can include one year in county jail . . . or a California felony sentence of 16 months, two years or three years in state prison.
Additionally, “gang sentencing enhancement penalties” can be applied to specified crimes committed while participating in an Orange County gang. These penalties are in addition to those regularly imposed for such offenses. In order for the gang sentencing enhancement to apply, you must be convicted of the underlying offense and prosecutors must prove that:
If you are facing Orange County criminal charges related to your participation in a street gang, you are facing serious penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence. Please call one of our experienced Orange County, California criminal defense attorneys today to discuss your situation.
A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.