Senate Bill 1126 (Cedillo) was recently signed into law, authorizing law enforcement agencies to collect assets from criminal street gang members who create or maintain a public nuisance.
Previous California law allowed agencies to only collect assets derived from the criminal activity being abated or enjoined. Under this new law, which took effect immediately, city prosecutors and district attorneys may seek money damages on behalf of the community or neighborhood injured by the gang’s activity. Any money damages recovered are to be used solely for the benefit of the injured community or neighborhood.
This new law represents a powerful tool available to law enforcement agencies and local governments in their fight against gang activity. Another available tool is a gang injunction, which restricts gang-related activities in specific areas in a community. Alvarez-Glasman & Colvin has successfully created gang injunctions in the cities of Pomona and Montebello, and is currently working on two additional injunctions.
For more information on gang injunctions, Senate Bill 1126, or other legal issues regarding law enforcement and public safety, please contact Roger A. Colvin at (562) 699-5500.
