June 4, 2013

Thousand Oaks police report that they have arrested five teens for allegedly provoking fights and attacking a minor at a park in Thousand Oaks. Two of the teens that were taken into custody were an 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old man. They were taken to Ventura County Jail. The remaining three were minors and were taken to juvenile hall.

The arrests stem from two separate incidents. In April, the 18-year-old man and one of the juveniles allegedly tried to provoke a fight with two males near Thousand Oaks High School. During the incident, the juvenile was accused of pulling a switchblade-type knife.

The second incident allegedly took place at Acorn Acres Park in late April. According to Thousand Oaks police, the two adults and two of the juveniles approached a minor boy and his female friend as they sat on a bench in the park. The 19-year-old reportedly told the boy to fight one of the juveniles in their group. When the boy refused, the 18-year-old and the two juveniles attacked him.

Charges leveled against those arrested include: assault with a deadly weapon, gang conspiracy, willful harm or injury to a child, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

While many charges have been leveled in this case, let's take a look at the gang conspiracy charge. Any person who actively participates in any criminal street gang with knowledge that its members engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal gang activity, and who willfully promotes, furthers, or assists in any felonious criminal conduct by members of that gang can be charged under California Penal Code 186.22.

This is important because, if convicted of gang conspiracy, a defendant may be looking at an enhanced prison sentence of up to three years in state prison.

Were those arrested actually part of a recognized street gang? The legal defense team at The Law Offices of Daniel E. Kann would look at this charge to see if it is even warranted and would seek to have it dropped. Our experienced defense attorneys will fight for your legal rights and are always dedicated to seeing that you get the best outcome possible in your case.

If you have been accused of a crime, call at (888) 744-7730 or contact us online for a free consultation today.