So, what do you do, if you get hit with one of these things? An Anaheim “snap” violation, is a type of gang injunction, that restricts certain activities, in designated “safety zones.” These injunctions, are court orders, that place limits, on alleged gang members, and associates.The restrictions, can include curfews, bans on things like carrying certain items, like baseball bats, or even hanging out with other alleged gang members. Violating the injunction, is a misdemeanor crime, that can lead to fines, and jail time.
Anaheim, like many cities, has struggled with gang violence, and crime, for decades. In the 1990s, and early 2000s, certain neighborhoods, were essentially, “controlled,” by powerful street gangs. Residents, lived in fear, of shootings, drug dealing, and other criminal activities.The city, tried various strategies, to combat the problem, including increasing police presence, and funding youth programs. But, the violence persisted. So, in 2014, Anaheim obtained a civil gang injunction, against the Anaheim Klique gang.This injunction, created two “safety zones,” covering about 3 square miles, of the city. Within these zones, over 100 alleged Klique gang members, and associates, faced special restrictions, on their movements, and activities.
Violating the terms, of the Anaheim gang injunction, is a misdemeanor offense. Penalties, can include:
Additionally, a violation, can be used as evidence, to enhance penalties, for other crimes. For example, if you’re convicted, of a drug offense, within the safety zone, your sentence, could be increased.So, even a seemingly minor violation, like being out past curfew, or hanging out with other alleged gang members, can have serious consequences.
If you’re accused, of violating the injunction, there are several potential defenses:
To be bound, by the injunction’s terms, you must be personally served, with a copy of the order. If this didn’t happen, your attorney, can argue, the violation shouldn’t stand.
The injunction, only applies to “active” gang members, and associates, at the time it was issued. Your lawyer, may be able to show, you didn’t meet that criteria.
Perhaps there’s evidence, you weren’t actually, in the safety zone, at the time of the alleged violation. Or, maybe the act you’re accused of, like associating with certain people, didn’t really happen. Your attorney, will scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence.
There are arguments, that gang injunctions, violate constitutional rights, like freedom of association, and due process. An experienced lawyer, can make these challenges.
While a snap violation, may seem minor, it’s actually, a very serious matter. A conviction, can lead to jail time, fines, and make you, a convicted criminal. It can hurt your job prospects, housing situation, and more.That’s why, if you’re accused of violating the injunction, you need an attorney, who specializes in these cases. At Spodek Law Group, our criminal defense lawyers, have extensive experience, fighting snap violations.We understand, the complex legal issues involved, and all the possible defenses. We’ll carefully analyze, the facts of your case, and develop a strategy, to get the best outcome.Our goal, is to get the charges dismissed entirely. Failing that, we’ll fight for the minimum penalty. We leave no stones unturned, in defending our clients.
If law enforcement, accuses you of violating the injunction, the first step, is to invoke your right to remain silent. Don’t answer questions, or make any statements, that could be used against you.Next, contact, an experienced Anaheim snap violation lawyer, immediately. Time is of the essence, as your attorney, will need to start investigating right away.Be prepared, to provide your lawyer, with any evidence you have, like phone records, witness statements, or documentation, showing you weren’t violating the injunction. The more information you can provide upfront, the stronger your defense will be.
At Spodek Law Group, we have a well-earned reputation, for aggressive defense, of those accused of crimes. We understand, the stakes involved, with any criminal charge, including snap violations.Our attorneys, have decades of combined experience, taking on tough cases, and winning. We’re not intimidated, by prosecutors, or the allegations against you. Our sole focus, is building the best possible defense strategy.We’ll treat you, like family, every step of the way. You’ll get transparent advice, and communication, so you understand, exactly what’s happening with your case.Our firm, also has the resources, to handle complex cases, that require extensive investigation, and litigation. We’ll leverage every tool available, to protect your rights, and freedom.If you’re facing, a snap violation charge, in Anaheim, don’t take chances with an inexperienced lawyer. Contact Spodek Law Group immediately, for the aggressive defense you deserve.
Getting arrested, is an incredibly stressful experience. You may be feeling scared, and uncertain, about what happens next. But, take a deep breath.The first step, after being taken into custody, is the booking process. You’ll be photographed, and fingerprinted. Don’t make any statements, to the police, at this point.From there, you’ll go before a judge, for an arraignment hearing. This is where, the charges against you, are formally filed, and you enter a plea. Don’t plead guilty, without speaking to a lawyer first.The judge, will also set bail conditions, and decide if you can be released, while awaiting trial. Having an attorney, at this stage, greatly improves your chances, of getting favorable bail terms.After arraignment, your case, will proceed through a series of pre-trial hearings, and motions. This is where, your Anaheim snap violation lawyer, will begin mounting your defense strategy.Depending on the facts, they may file motions, to suppress evidence, or have the charges dismissed entirely. If the case proceeds to trial, your attorney, will vigorously fight the allegations, presenting evidence and witness testimony, in your defense.
While a snap violation, is technically a misdemeanor, the consequences, of a conviction, can be quite severe:
Additionally, the stigma, of being labeled a gang member, can have lasting impacts, on your personal and professional life. That’s why it’s critical, to have skilled legal representation, if you’re accused of an Anaheim snap violation.
If you, or a loved one, are facing charges, for violating Anaheim’s gang injunction, you need a lawyer, who specializes in these cases. At Spodek Law Group, our criminal defense team, has extensive experience, with snap violations.We understand, the complex legal issues involved, as well as, all potential defenses. Our attorneys, will carefully analyze the facts, and develop a comprehensive strategy, to fight the charges.Our goal, is always to get charges dismissed entirely. Failing that, we’ll pursue the minimum possible penalties. We leave no stones unturned, in defending our clients’ rights, and freedom.
Todd Spodek - Nationally Recognized Criminal Attorney