Elevated Penalties for Gang-Related Offenses
Any illegal activity that is committed by an individual may be prosecuted as a crime. When a person is arrested for a crime, she or he is charged according to the directions of the Florida penal code. When criminal activity is committed as part of a gang or to further gang interests, however, the usual penalties may be elevated to seek more severe punishment.
If you have been arrested for a gang-related offense, the West Palm Beach criminal lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. are committed to helping you defend your case. Call us at 561-353-2800.
Penalty Enhancement
Any offense that is committed to promote, benefit, or further the interests of a criminal gang may carry enhanced penalties. If a criminal act is found to be gang-related, the severity of the court-ordered punishment may be elevated by one rank. The penalty enhancement is assigned as follows:
- A second degree misdemeanor may be punished as a first degree misdemeanor.
- A first degree misdemeanor may be punished as a third degree felony.
- A third degree felony may be punished as a second degree felony.
- A second degree felony may be punished as a first degree felony.
- A first degree felony may be punished as a life felony.
Clearly even a single gang-motivated offense can have severe consequences if the defendant is convicted. If you are found to be involved in a gang after being arrested for a crime, the prosecution will likely seek more severe penalties and will aggressively pursue your case.
It is therefore important to speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. A criminal attorney will protect your rights under the law and will fight to defend your case against an overzealous prosecution.
Contact Us
To learn more about how we can help you prepare your criminal defense for court, contact the West Palm Beach criminal defense attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800.
