45 Arrested in Riverside County Gang Operation

The arrests came as part of Operation Eastbound and Down.

45 Arrested in Riverside County Gang Operation

This October, a coordinated effort between multiple California law enforcement agencies resulted in the arrests of 45 people in Riverside County. The goal of “Operation Eastbound and Down” was to dismantle one of the largest criminal street gangs in Riverside County, according to officials. As part of the 6 month long operation, arrests were made throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

The operation involved the California Department of Justice, the Riverside Police Department, the California Highway Patrol Special Operations Unit and the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, as well as agencies in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. It was launched in a response to a spike in violent crime in the area, including murders, assaults, and drive-by shootings. According to Attorney General Xavier Becerra, this increase in crime was related to gang members being released from custody and fighting to regain control and power.

The 45 people who were arrested face a range of charges, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, illegal possession and trafficking of firearms and narcotics, robbery, and conspiracy to commit criminal activity. In addition to these arrests, police seized 63 firearms, 13 of which were assault weapons.

According to a criminal defense attorney Riverside, CA, those arrested as part of Operation Eastbound and Down could find themselves facing not only the underlying criminal charge, but a gang sentencing enhancement. Under California law, anyone who commits a felony for the benefit of a gang will receive a mandatory prison sentence in addition to and consecutive to the penalty received for the underlying felony. Depending on the facts of the case, this sentencing enhancement could result in an additional 2 to 25 years to life.

Beyond the sentencing enhancement, prosecutors may also charge those arrested with the crime of participation in a gang. California law prohibits participating in a street gang and assisting in any felony criminal conduct by the gang’s members. If a person is convicted of this offense, it may result in a punishment of up to 1 year in county jail, or — if charged as a felony — 16 months to 3 years in California state prison.

While law enforcement should prioritize protecting citizens, the sentencing enhancement and potential for an added criminal offense for being involved in gang activity make being charged with this type of offense incredibly serious. For this reason, if you have been charged with a crime related to gang activity, it is incredibly important that you consult with a criminal defense attorney Riverside, CA as soon as possible.

There are defenses to the allegations that you participated in gang activity. For example, if you were not an active participant in a gang, or did not act for the benefit of a gang, that may be a defense. Similarly, if you did not commit the underlying crime, these enhancements cannot be applied. A skilled criminal defense attorney Riverside, CA can work with you to determine the best factual and legal defenses to the charges against you.

At the Chambers Law Firm, we are familiar with the tactics often used by prosecutors when charging crimes that may be related to gang activity. We are adept at defending our clients against these charges, using a variety of techniques to help you achieve the most favorable outcome. Contact our office today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney Riverside, CA.

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