Introduction
Modern societies involve such integrated criminal groups as gangs. They conduct unlawful actions and face problems with governments. Police and special forces conduct constant investigations to reveal as many groups as possible. It is necessary to identify what criminal gangs represent together with their members to understand the consequences of their deeds.
Discussion
The groups of criminals have been developing throughout history in different countries, changing their behavior, rules, and the level of lawbreaking. Gangs are groups of persons of different ages, usually youth, who share common ideas and are engaged in collective criminal activity (Curry & Decker, 2023). These gangs are distinct from other criminals, expressed in continuity, rules keeping, specific geographical location, identification symbols, and sometimes strong leadership.
Criminal gang members are involved in gang activities and keep their rules. Most American gang members are Hispanics and African-Americans of young age (Curry & Decker, 2023). There are gangs connected with drug dealing or bootlegging, for example, Sheldon Gang, whose prominent member and founder was Ralph Sheldon (Curry & Decker, 2023). There are also drug cartels, whose main aim is to organize illegal drug distribution (Curry & Decker, 2023). For example, Columbian cartels became popular, especially among entrepreneurs, who benefited from the growing demand for cocaine and other types of drugs (Curry & Decker, 2023). Such criminal solid groups have been creating intense oppression of police, resulting in long-term prosecutions.
Conclusion
Penalties and punishments are ensured for those dealing with criminal gangs. If persons participate willingly and actively in groups, they are subject to being sued for a separate and discrete offense, while punishment for gang enhancement foresees more severe sentences (Weinrieb Law Firm, 2018). When persons actively participate in a gang’s life and willfully assist different gang criminals, they are guilty of gang participation (Weinrieb Law Firm, 2018). Gang enhancement involves serious felonies, violence, robbery, shooting, and others (Weinrieb Law Firm, 2018). Depending on the level of crime, the law penalizes or punishes a gang crime per the above statutes.
References
Curry, G.D. & Decker, C.H. (2023). Gang. Britannica. Web.
Weinrieb Law Firm (2018). Gang participation & gang enhancements (Pc § 186.22). Criminal Defence Attorneys. Web.