GANG INJUNCTION FAST FACTS
A gang injunction is a court order that declares a specific gang (or gangs) a public nuisance.
It’s essentially a restraining order against validated gang members that creates special rules to curb gang activity within a defined area known as a "Safety Zone". It does not prohibit gang members from being within the Safety Zone, provided they do not violate any of the injunction rules.
Validated gang members are personally put on notice by the judge and are then arrested for Contempt of Court if they violate the rules.
Common restrictions of an injunction include:
Gang injunctions have been used in Los Angeles for 35 years and have significantly reduced gang violence and gang membership. (Source: LA City Attorney’s Office)
It’s essentially a restraining order against validated gang members that creates special rules to curb gang activity within a defined area known as a "Safety Zone". It does not prohibit gang members from being within the Safety Zone, provided they do not violate any of the injunction rules.
Validated gang members are personally put on notice by the judge and are then arrested for Contempt of Court if they violate the rules.
Common restrictions of an injunction include:
- Don’t throw gang signs or wear gang colors
- Don’t loiter or associate with other gang members
- Don’t intimidate or harass people
Gang injunctions have been used in Los Angeles for 35 years and have significantly reduced gang violence and gang membership. (Source: LA City Attorney’s Office)
How will a gang injunction affect the average person who lives or works in the Safety Zone?
If you are not a member of a gang, you should see a positive impact.
If you are a validated gang member who has received notice of the injunction you are still allowed to be within the Safety Zone, but you can be checked for weapons and police can keep you from loitering, congregating or disrupting normal neighborhood activity.
If you are a validated gang member who has received notice of the injunction you are still allowed to be within the Safety Zone, but you can be checked for weapons and police can keep you from loitering, congregating or disrupting normal neighborhood activity.
Will a gang injunction violate my civil rights?
No, a carefully designed and administered injunction does not violate any citizen’s Constitutional rights.
Here are some of the measures taken to ensure an injunction is administered fairly:
Here are some of the measures taken to ensure an injunction is administered fairly:
- Only gang members are subject to the injunction.
- Each gang member is given due process rights (“his day in court”) before being permanently added to the injunction.
- Gang members who have turned their lives around can have the restrictions lifted.
- Police and prosecutors will be held accountable by providing the Court with reports of injunction-related stops, arrests and prosecutions.
- Citizens who believe they’ve been unfairly targeted by police will be encouraged to report the incident, with a contact number prominently placed on signage throughout the Safety Zone.
- A Citizen Review Committee will oversee the way the injunction is enforced, including any harassment complaints.
WHO CAN BE SERVED WITH NOTICE OF AN INJUNCTION?
Any person who has been validated as a gang member named in a Petition for Injunctive Relief. Also, any members of a gang declared a public nuisance by the Court.
How long does a gang injunction last?
Gang injunctions are permanent, but individuals named in an injunction can petition the Court to have the restrictions against them lifted by going two years without picking up any new criminal charges or citations and by disavowing gang membership.
What happens if i violate a gang injunction?
Individually named gang members who violate a gang injunction will be charged with Contempt of Court, a C Misdemeanor which is punishable by 30 days in jail and a $50 fine.
What can i do if i have been wrongly served with a gang injunction?
If you believe you have been wrongly served with a gang injunction, you should contact the District Attorney General's Office at (423)209-7400. In order to protect each individual's privacy, we will only discuss the matters of a gang injunction with those specifically included in the suit, and only on an individual basis as it applies to you.
