Introduction

Assembly Bill 333 (AB 333), also known as the STEP Forward Act of 2021, represents a significant shift in California’s approach to gang-related crimes. More recently, in June 2024, the California Supreme Court issued a pivotal ruling in the case of People v. Burgos, addressing the retroactive application of AB 333’s bifurcation provisions. This article delves into the details of the case, the implications of AB 333, and what this means for defendants and their legal representation, particularly in Los Angeles and Orange County criminal cases.

The Case: People v. Burgos

The Supreme Court case People v. Burgos arose from an incident on August 29, 2015, in San Jose, where Francisco Burgos and accomplices were charged with second-degree robbery, accompanied by gang and firearm enhancement allegations. During their trial, the defendants moved to bifurcate the gang enhancement charges, a request denied by the trial court. The jury ultimately found the defendants guilty on all counts, leading to significant sentences.

While the defendants’ appeals were pending, the California Legislature passed AB 333, which introduced critical amendments to Penal Code section 186.22 and added section 1109, mandating separate trials for gang enhancement charges if requested by the defense. This legislative change aimed to mitigate the prejudicial impact of gang evidence on juries.

Breakdown of Assembly Bill 333

AB 333, effective January 1, 2022, brought two main changes:

1. Amendments to Penal Code Section 186.22: These amendments redefined what constitutes a criminal street gang and narrowed the criteria for gang enhancements, thus increasing the burden of proof required to establish such enhancements. AB 333 revised the definitions of key terms within section 186.22, including “criminal street gang,” “common benefit,” and “pattern of criminal gang activity.” These amendments imposed stricter criteria for prosecutors, thereby elevating the burden of proof required to establish gang enhancements. Notably, gang members now must collectively engage in the pattern of criminal activity, making it more challenging to prove such allegations.
2. Introduction of Penal Code Section 1109: This new provision requires, upon the defense’s request, the bifurcation of trials where gang enhancements are involved, ensuring that the jury first determines guilt on the underlying charges before considering gang-related allegations.Section 1109 mandates that, upon the defense’s request, gang enhancement charges must be tried separately from the underlying offenses. This bifurcation process ensures that the jury first determines guilt or innocence regarding the primary charges before considering any gang-related enhancements. This separation aims to mitigate the undue prejudice that gang evidence can introduce, enhancing the fairness of the trial process.

Impact and Implications:

The changes brought by AB 333 are profound. By increasing the evidentiary requirements for gang enhancements and allowing for bifurcation, AB 333 addresses longstanding concerns about the fairness of trials involving gang allegations. The bill aims to prevent wrongful convictions and reduce the pressure on defendants to accept unfavorable plea deals due to the potential prejudice of gang evidence.

For defendants and their legal representation, particularly Gang Enhancement Lawyers in Los Angeles and Orange County, AB 333 represents a vital tool in ensuring more equitable legal proceedings. The ability to bifurcate trials and the heightened standards for proving gang enhancements provide significant advantages for the defense, offering a pathway to fairer outcomes in gang-related prosecutions.

The Supreme Court’s Ruling

The central question before the California Supreme Court was whether the bifurcation provisions of AB 333 should apply retroactively to cases where judgments were not yet final. The Court concluded that these provisions do not apply retroactively, emphasizing the general presumption that statutes operate prospectively unless explicitly stated otherwise by the Legislature.

Implications for Gang Enhancement Cases

The Court’s decision has profound implications for defendants facing gang enhancement charges. Here are key takeaways for those seeking representation from Los Angeles and Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyers:

1. Prospective Application: For current and future cases, defendants can request bifurcation of gang enhancement charges, potentially reducing the prejudicial impact of such evidence.
2. Higher Burden of Proof: The amendments to section 186.22 mean that prosecutors must meet more stringent criteria to prove gang enhancements, providing a significant advantage for the defense.
3. Strategic Defense Planning: Gang Enhancement Lawyers in Los Angeles and Orange County must now incorporate these legislative changes into their defense strategies, ensuring that bifurcation is requested in appropriate cases to enhance the fairness of the trial.

How This Affects Your Defense

If you or a loved one is facing charges involving gang enhancements, understanding the nuances of AB 333 and the People v. Burgos ruling is crucial. As experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyers, we are committed to leveraging these legislative changes to provide the best possible defense. Here’s how we can help:

• Requesting Bifurcation: We will ensure that requests for bifurcation are made where applicable, safeguarding your right to a fair trial.
• Challenging Gang Enhancements: With the heightened burden of proof for gang enhancements, we will meticulously scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence and challenge any shortcomings.
• Comprehensive Defense Strategy: Combining our expertise with the latest legislative changes, we will develop a robust defense strategy tailored to your unique case.

Consult with a Gang-Enhancement Lawyer Today

The ruling in People v. Burgos and the implementation of AB 333 mark a significant evolution in California’s criminal justice system, particularly concerning gang-related crimes. For those facing such charges, it is imperative to have skilled Gang Enhancement Lawyers who are well-versed in these changes. Contact our team of Los Angeles and Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyers to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the most effective defense possible. You can submit a contact submission or call our team directly at 213-800-7664.