THIS WAS IN THE FRESNO BEE ITS ABOUT MUTTS IN SANGER BUT THOUGHT IT MIGHT INTEREST SOME GENTE ON HERE.
Gang ruling challenged
Two alleged gang members are challenging a court injunction that targets members and associates of a Sanger gang.
Lawyers for Johnny Valencia, 22, and Frank Maestas, 21, argued Monday in Fresno County Superior Court that the gang injunction is unconstitutional and vague.
The injunction is a civil action meant to stop members of the "Chankla Bulldogs" from engaging in a number of activities, including: contact with other gang members; intimidating or threatening witnesses or victims of the gang; possessing any guns or illegal weapons; selling or processing illegal drugs; drinking in public; trespassing on private property; and violating curfew laws.
Valencia and Maestas are charged with contempt of court, a misdemeanor, for allegedly violating the civil court order.
They argue that the injunction is vague because, in addition to naming 22 suspected gang members, it applies to the gang's "associates" but does not name them. The seven- to eight-block area in Sanger where gang activity is restricted is poorly defined, according to their attorneys.
It's also unclear, they said, what people can and cannot do after a 10 p.m. curfew.
Defense attorneys told Judge William Stone the misdemeanor charges should be dismissed because the injunction's vagueness makes it unconstitutional, violating the First Amendment and the right to due process.
Gang ruling challenged
Two alleged gang members are challenging a court injunction that targets members and associates of a Sanger gang.
Lawyers for Johnny Valencia, 22, and Frank Maestas, 21, argued Monday in Fresno County Superior Court that the gang injunction is unconstitutional and vague.
The injunction is a civil action meant to stop members of the "Chankla Bulldogs" from engaging in a number of activities, including: contact with other gang members; intimidating or threatening witnesses or victims of the gang; possessing any guns or illegal weapons; selling or processing illegal drugs; drinking in public; trespassing on private property; and violating curfew laws.
Valencia and Maestas are charged with contempt of court, a misdemeanor, for allegedly violating the civil court order.
They argue that the injunction is vague because, in addition to naming 22 suspected gang members, it applies to the gang's "associates" but does not name them. The seven- to eight-block area in Sanger where gang activity is restricted is poorly defined, according to their attorneys.
It's also unclear, they said, what people can and cannot do after a 10 p.m. curfew.
Defense attorneys told Judge William Stone the misdemeanor charges should be dismissed because the injunction's vagueness makes it unconstitutional, violating the First Amendment and the right to due process.