San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney, Stacie Patterson

Defendants alleged to have committed a felony, "for the benefit of, or in association with any criminal street gang, with the specific intent to promote, further or assist in" criminal activity by gang members may face substantial time in prison.  (Penal Code section 186.22).  Depending on whether the alleged crime is determined to be a serious or violent felony, the defendant may face an additional five or ten years in prison.  A minimum of 15 years in prison may be imposed for a home invasion robbery (Penal Code section 213(a)(1)(A), carjacking (Penal Code section 215) or shooting at an inhabited dwelling (Penal Code section 246).

Because the stakes are so high when gang allegation are made, it is absolutely necessary that the defendant be represented by experienced counsel who can attack the allegations, negotiate a fair disposition or aggressively try the case.

If you, or someone you know is alleged to have committed a gang offense, email or call Stacie L. Patterson at (619) 269-8074.