A self-proclaimed gang member was arrested on Valentine’s day by Los Angeles Sheriff’s deputies after allegedly stabbing a victim five times with a screwdriver.
According to reports, Juan Jose Cortez, approached a man who was exiting his vehicle outside of an Altadena restaurant. An argument ensued, followed shortly thereafter by Cortez removing his shirt and claiming to be a member of a local gang.
In the scuffle that followed, the victim received five puncture wounds from a screwdriver wielded by Cortez. After Cortez fled, the victim was able to drive himself to the hospital where he was interviewed by law enforcement.
After being arrested, Cortez was held at the LASD Altadena Station jail in lieu of $300,000 bail.
Whatever Cortez is charged with, his sentence will likely be a lengthy one thanks to California’s gang sentencing enhancement.
According to this law, it is illegal to be in a street gang and/or take part in any felonies associated with members of that gang. Since Cortez clearly claimed to be a part of one of the local gangs, and possesses a tattoo signifying as much, it is likely that whatever his sentence is will end up being enhanced due to his gang affiliation.
Those who take part in crimes associated with a street gang face an additional 1 year in county jail (such as Twin Towers or the Lynwood Jail) or to a maximum of 3 years in state prison (just for being a part of the gang) and an enhanced sentence of anywhere from 2 years to life in prison, depending on the circumstances of the crime(s) the individual is charged with. It should be noted that this enhanced sentence can be in addition to the sentence the defendant will face for the crime he or she was convicted of.
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