Gang-Related Charges Defense Attorney in Kingston, New York 

In New York State, street gangs often use violence to perpetrate their illegal activities and control neighborhoods. As a result, gang-related activities – such as gang assault, robbery, extortion, and drug, human, and gun trafficking – are vehemently prohibited under state laws. A defendant convicted of gang-related crimes may face lengthy incarceration, massive fines, a criminal record, and other devastating life-altering ramifications.  

If you have been arrested and indicted for participating in a criminal street gang activity, hiring a practiced New York State criminal defense attorney is imperative for clear legal direction. At Melanson Law Office P.C., I’m dedicated to offering comprehensive legal guidance and aggressive representation to clients facing gang-related allegations. With my extensive knowledge, I will fight vigorously to uphold your rights, refute the charges against you with factual evidence, and help keep your record clean.  

My firm – Melanson Law Office P.C. – proudly represents clients throughout Kingston, New York, and the surrounding areas of Saugerties, Hudson, Catskill, Poughkeepsie, and Highland, New York. 

Gang-Related Charges in New York 

A gang-related activity is an organized crime or criminal activity perpetrated by gang members – a group of three or more individuals with a common name and identifying symbol. One of the most common gang-related crimes in New York State is gang assault. In New York State, the various degrees of gang assault include first-degree gang assault and second-degree gang assault. 

*Assault: Under New York State law, a person may be facing assault charges if he or she intentionally or recklessly causes physical injury or harm to another person. 

Second-Degree Gang Assault: According to New York Penal Code Section 120.06, a person may be guilty of gang assault in the second degree if the assault offense was aided by two or more other persons. This is a class C felony. 

First-Degree Gang Assault: Under New York Penal Code Section 120.07, a person may be guilty of gang assault in the first degree if the assault offense was aided by two or more other persons and the victim suffered serious physical injury. This is a class B felony. 

If you or someone you know has been recently arrested and charged with gang assault or any other gang-related crime, you need to reach out to a highly-skilled criminal defense attorney right away. Your lawyer can enlighten you about the nature and severity of your charges and help strategize your best defenses. 

New York Gang Affiliation Laws 

According to New York Gang Affiliation Law (Bill S6211), it is a crime to coerce, recruit, solicit, or induce someone else to join or remain a member of a criminal street gang. Also, defendants convicted of gang-related crimes will suffer enhanced felony penalties. 

What Qualifies as “Gang Affiliation?”  

In order for an organization or association to be considered as gang affiliation, the following elements are often present: 

• The association, group, or organization must have at least three individuals. 

• There must be a common name used to identify the group and its members. 

• There must be an identifying symbol and sign. 

• Members who actively participate or entice other individuals into criminal activity. 

Generally, a person may be facing criminal allegations for associating with the gang, gang members, or gang-related activity. An experienced attorney can enlighten you about the penalties and consequences of a gang-related charge. 

Possible Penalties for Gang-Related Charges  

Gang-related charges often carry serious punishments in New York State. Depending on the offender’s criminal history, underlying crime, and other surrounding circumstances, a person convicted of a criminal street gang activity could face any of these penalties and consequences: 

• Massive fines and court costs

• Lengthy imprisonment (ranging from months, years, or decades)

• Community service

• Probation

• A criminal record/history

• Loss of voting rights

• Increased difficulty in traveling overseas

• Difficulties in obtaining certain loans or financial assistance

• Increased difficulty in getting employment, accommodation, or education opportunities

• Increased difficulty in securing public benefits

• Loss of gun ownership or gun carry rights

• Possible deportation or inadmissibility to the United States

A trusted New York State gang-related charges defense attorney can explore your available legal defenses to fight your allegations and avoid the devastating punishments of a criminal conviction. 

Possible Defenses to Gang-Related Charges 

Here are some available legal defenses that your attorney can use to help fight your allegations: 

• There is no gang affiliation. 

• You were falsely accused. 

• You didn’t participate in any gang-related activity. 

• You didn’t commit the act for the benefit of the gang members. 

• There was no underlying crime. 

• The prosecution can’t prove the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. 

A strategic attorney can identify your possible legal defenses and determine the best way to help fight your gang-related charges. 

How Melanson Law Office P.C. Can Help 

Defending your New York gang-related accusations without experienced representation could increase your risk of getting convicted. Unfortunately, a criminal conviction could result in devastating consequences to your quality of life, freedom, career, and future opportunities. Therefore, when arrested and charged with a gang-related crime, it is imperative that you hire a wise criminal defense attorney immediately for dependable advocacy and to help build your defense.  

At Melanson Law Office P.C., I enjoy helping and representing individuals wrongfully charged with gang-related crimes. As your attorney, I can examine every aspect of your case and outline an effective defense strategy to help fight your charges. Using my broad legal knowledge, I can help you navigate the New York State justice system and ensure you’re given fair treatment in every phase of the legal process.