Q: If you’re caught by gang force with a gun can u be charge with a gang related offense??
I was harassed by gang task force after I got off work I was sittin in a parking lot when they rolled up on me and search my car.. for no reason.no traffic stop or nothing just came to my car?? Charge me with poss of firearm and a gang related offense I was the only one in the car
A: Laying the charges and proving the charges are two different issues. The police can lay the charges if there is a foundation and the officer reasonably believes that there is a gang affiliation. Proving that you are a gang member in court is an entirely different issue that certainly will not be proved because you were found sitting in a car with a firearm. They will need to call evidence proving your association to a gang. Sometimes prior prison records showing gang connections is considered enough evidence. Often Prosecutors will try and showing gang connections by tattoos, gang symbols on clothing, social media posts, friendships to known gang members, evidence from other police officers that may have knowledge of specific gangs.
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