Santa Ana’s gangbangers are generally not the smartest individuals. Time and again they get arrested and prove once more that they are a few sandwiches short of a picnic.
Case in point, recently SAPD police officers came across a typical group of them as they were using narcotics near a laundry facility at an apartment complexaccording to the SAPD.
Why would these gangbangers resort to using drugs in public at a laundry facility no less? Perhaps they were washing their dirty baggy jeans? Or washing the pot stink of their white t-shirts or perhaps cleaning their bandanas?
To make matters worse for the suspects, the officers found a loaded firearm nearby. So the gangbangers were not the only ones who were “loaded.”
Three male gangbangers ended up getting arrested on firearm and narcotics violations. And, of course, there were also gang enhancements filed.
Not sure if any of the suspects were able to finish or recover their laundry. Perhaps they were just there to hit on the ladies doing their laundry? Or maybe they just liked the smell of the dryer sheets?
In Santa Ana, CA, gang members arrested on firearm and narcotics violations with gang enhancements face severe penalties under California law. Here are some key points:
Gang-Related Offenses
- California Penal Code Section 186.22: This section, part of the Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention (STEP) Act, defines a “criminal street gang” as any group of three or more individuals with a common name or symbol, whose primary activities include committing certain criminal acts.
Sentencing Enhancements
- Standard Felony Convictions: Can be augmented by an additional 2 to 4 years in prison.
- Serious Felonies: Such as murder or attempted murder, can result in additional sentences ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment.
- Violent Felonies: Enhancements for violent felonies can add up to 15 years to life.
Firearm and Narcotics Charges
- Combination of Charges: When gang members are arrested on multiple firearm and narcotics-related charges, these enhancements can further increase the severity of their sentences.
- Using a Firearm in Gang-Related Activities: Can result in additional penalties, including longer prison sentences.
Legal Implications
- Prosecution Requirements: The prosecution must establish that the defendant actively participated in the gang with knowledge of its criminal activities and that the crime was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with the gang.
These laws reflect California’s commitment to deterring gang-related violence and crime.
The glamorous life of the OC Gangster: women, money, and smoking dope by the coin-op Maytags!!