The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office adult Gang Prosecution Unit prosecutes gang related felony offenses, including homicides. Cases are vertically prosecuted; that is, they are handled from start to finish by the same attorney who specializes in gang prosecutions. Gang Unit attorneys also prosecute violations of gang abatement court orders. The philosophy of the Gang Unit is:
- To maintain public order and safety.
- To respond to the ever-increasing crime caused by street gangs that threatens and terrorizes peaceful citizens.
- To stop this mounting criminal activity.
- To provide for increased penalties for those found guilty of criminal gang involvement and eliminate the patterns, profits, and property helping criminal street gang activity, including street gang recruitment.
For additional information see the Michigan State University website for articles and online information on gangs.
