If you have been arrested and charged with gang-related crimes, you could be facing serious prison time simply due to the gang enhancements. You need an experienced defense attorney in your corner, someone who will fight to protect your rights and work aggressively in your best interest. Attorney Miles A. Harris is known throughout California's Central Valley for his passion and success in defending those accused of gang crimes, proving himself as a passionate ally both in and out of the courtroom. He knows the system inside and out, and he knows how to work in the system to get the best outcomes for his clients, no matter how tough the case is.
Why the Stakes for Gang Crimes Are So High
California lawmakers seeking to crack down on gang activity have recently passed some stout enhancements for crimes committed in a gang context. Not only is it a crime in itself to be associated with a gang, but any felony committed in a gang context comes with a mandatory prison sentence in addition to the penalty for the felony itself. This means an offense that would normally garner a prison sentence of a few years can easily turn into a life sentence just because prosecutors and law enforcement managed to associate it with a gang.
An additional danger with these enhancements is that it's far too easy for the innocent, or those only mildly involved, to be accused of serious crimes. Under the law, you don't even have to be part of a gang to be implicated in gang crimes—for example, if someone you're dating happens to be a gang member (with or without your knowledge), you can still be charged under the gang laws by association. You can see how quickly an innocent bystander could suddenly face serious prison time just by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
How We Defend Against Gang Charges
Mr. Harris is passionate about criminal defense for serious crimes, including those with gang enhancements. He makes sure he's available to his clients at all hours of the day or night if need be. He'll give you a no-nonsense assessment of the charges you face, the risks involved with conviction, your odds of beating the charges at trial, and your options for getting enhancements removed, charges reduced, plea agreements, and so on. He'll help you determine the best strategy for defending against the charges. He'll then go to work, drawing on his extensive knowledge of the system, the judges, and the prosecutors to hammer out a solution that provides the best possible outcome for you and your family.
When facing gang-related criminal charges, there's just too much at stake to risk losing at trial due to a weak defense. Let Miles A. Harris get to work and fight on your behalf. Call our offices at 559-492-9572 to see how we can help.
