Comments on: Is it illegal to belong to a gang?

By: dana

dana — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:45:18 +0000

not all gangs turned out to be a bad gang in the first place and the Latin Kings are proof of that. it only began as someting to help the latino community…..
Dear Dana: You’re right – not all gangs are bad or into criminal activity. The word “gang” has a sinister meaning but some are examples of law-abiding groups. Thanks for your comment.
(This is information only – not legal advice).

By: Diane Reed

Diane Reed — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 20:30:30 +0000

Is it illegal to belong to a gang? http://t.co/ZAQmlDzP

By: darrel

darrel — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:01:38 +0000

if im walking at 12am in the block and the police come and tell me the stupid excuse that i look suspicious because im out here at night in a gang infested neiborhood,,, and then tell me to take my shirt off to see my gang tattos do i have to take it off considering the fact i didnt do no crime… they threaten me that if i didnt show them my gang tats they would charged me with gang terrozing sumting like that i forgot….im 18 and have a clean record im from compton.
Dear Darrel: We are all required to follow a lawful order of the police. Otherwise it may be a crime such as obstructing, interference with an investigation, or failure to follow an order given by law enforcement. If you question the legality of the command, talk with the officer’s supervisor or consult an attorney in your area who’s familiar with criminal law and police matters. Good luck.
[This is information only - not legal advice].

By: marcus

marcus — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:52:39 +0000

i was recently in front of my house with my friends when two police started questioning only me not my friends just me i dont know why they wanted to check me i told them i dont consent to a search yet they still checked me he says that he was alowed to check wat can i do at this point that they broke my rights to consent to a search .. compton ca
Dear Marcus: The circumstances surrounding the search determine whether it was a lawful or unlawful search. Such factors as officer safety, plain view of evidence supporting a crime, consent, probable cause and reasonable suspicion come into play. You could discuss the incident with a criminal lawyer or the officer’s supervisor and ask for an explanation. Good luck.
[This is information only - not legal advice].

By: thomas j

thomas j — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 07:06:14 +0000

i was recently hanging out with my friends when then suddenly officers get out of their car started questioning us(although we were just talking) they search me and my 2 friends and then started asking me and my friends if wat gang were from without even knowing if we were from one( although we are from one we refused to answer) then one of the officer i guess saw my tattos and ask by me neck by my chest and told me to raise my shirt to see my gang affilate i didnt do it so he did it they ended up talking to us then they left. ive had a lot of friends who are indeed in a gang and some who dont belong to one that end up being question by police even if their out there doing nothing especially in the park. do i have to answer their questions if i get stop by one them asking me things ….. or can i get arrested if i dont answer their question like wat gang im from
Dear Thomas: You raise some very good points. Under the Constitution you have a right to remain silent when questioned by the police. However, there are exceptions that require you to answer basic questions regarding who you are. If the police stop you and ask for your name and some identification you are required to respond. Beyond that you can invoke your right to remain silent. In order for the police to arrest you they need probable cause that a crime has been or is in the process of being committed and that you’re involved. Also they can arrest you if they have an arrest warrant, but the warrant is also based on probable cause. Good luck.
[This is information only - not legal advice].