Schwartz & Weinrieb has over 80 years of combined experience defending against gang allegations. Attorney Robert Schwartz, the firm’ founder, is a lecturer on criminal defense in gang cases.

When a criminal offense is believed to be gang-related, California lawmakers have increased the severity of the penalties if an individual is convicted of the offense. Gang-related conduct and affiliations will be used against the individual to increase the penalty in the event of a conviction.

While some cases have a clear gang component, the gang allegation in many cases is based on very weak evidence that must be vigorously challenged. A crime committed by a gang member does not mean it is a “gang crime.” Many alleged gang members are not members of gangs, or at least no longer associate with a gang — “gang dropouts”. Unfortunately, prosecutors typically treat any crime involving an alleged gang member as a “gang crime,” and jurors are quick to judge alleged gang members as criminals even with minimal evidence of criminal conduct.

 

Los Angeles Criminal Attorneys

Schwartz & Weinrieb’s team of criminal attorneys is highly skilled at challenging gang allegations, and will challenge prosecutors and law enforcement who falsely characterize a crime as “gang related”.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offense involving gang crime allegations, contact a Los Angeles gang defense attorney from Schwartz & Weinrieb today at (310) 246-9550 or (818) 888-2711.