How Defense Lawyers Help with Gang Offenses

Defense lawyers are important in gang cases because they can help to get the charges reduced or dropped. They may be able to find inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case or show that the defendant was not part of the gang in the first place. Defense lawyers, like these defense lawyers los angeles, can help to get lighter sentences for defendants who are convicted of gang-related crimes.

Specifically, defense lawyers can:

Find inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case

Defense lawyers may be able to find inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case in the witness statements received, for example. All of the witnesses should be observing the same events, but if there are differences, then it might suggest a lie is being told. Rival gangs may well look to discredit another gang, for instance, as they battle for dominance on the streets or look to cover up their crimes.

Show that the defendant was not a part of the gang

One way defense lawyers can help defendants in gang cases is by demonstrating that the person was not part of the gang. This can be done by looking for evidence in the prosecution’s case or by showing that the defendant was not actively involved in gang activities. It is about showing good character and a person’s lack of motive for wanting to be part of a particular gang. Peer pressure can, of course, play its part too.

Help to get lighter sentences for defendants who are convicted of gang-related crimes.

Defense lawyers can also help to get lighter sentences for defendants who are convicted of gang-related crimes. This is often done by negotiating with prosecutors to have the charges reduced or by raising mitigating factors that can lead to a lighter sentence.

Mitigating factors might include: coercion to join the gang or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Someone of previously good character will be the ideal person for a lawyer to defend when it comes to any gang offenses they are being accused of.

Examples of Gang-Related Offences

There are many different types of offenses that tend to be committed in gangs rather than alone. These are the kinds of crimes to which we refer. Some examples are listed below.

• gang violence
• gang intimidation
• gang vandalism
• gang graffiti

It would seem that boredom contributes to some crimes, such as vandalism where there are no other apparent motives. With a gang, too, there is that element of someone daring another to do something that they would otherwise think morally wrong, which could even turn out to be illegal. If you are in that position, you will want a good criminal defense lawyer fighting your corner and confirming how it was. That you did not mean to commit the crime but rather felt forced into doing it by intimidation from other gang members.

If a gang is defending itself, it could lead to weapons being carried that are unlawful. This can then lead to another crime that a defense lawyer will need to defend.

Gang cases can be complex and having an experienced defense lawyer on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. These types of offenses are serious crimes that can carry stiff penalties, but with the help of a defense lawyer, you may be able to get the charges lessened or even dismissed.

If you have been charged with a gang-related offense, or have a loved one that has, it is important to hire a defense lawyer who has experience with these types of cases. They will know how to best defend you and get the best possible outcome for your case. They know how judges and juries think in these cases and what you might expect before the trial has even happened. 

This will provide you with much peace of mind.