No, this is not an episode of “Sons of Anarchy.” This month, nine bikers were killed and 18 hospitalized during a shootout at a Twin Peaks restaurant in Waco, Texas. An additional 170 bikers were taken into custody, and over 300 weapons were allegedly left behind. The news made national headlines. The incident all started when some motorcycle clubs reserved the seating outside the bar, and a rival group showed up uninvited. A simple quarrel in the parking lot soon followed which led to shots fired. The bikers allegedly turned their weapons on police when they responded.

The Dept. of Justice has identified 7 biker gangs believes are highly structured criminal enterprises, many of them allied in one form or another against the Hells Angels. They are suspected to be involved with the Mexican drug cartels. However, family members claim that not everyone who attended the biker rally in Texas were gang members. And none of the defendants have been able to see a bail judge. Family members claim the high bail is ridiculous and unfair. All the suspects face charges of engaging in organized crime and each one has bail set at $1 million.

Washington Gang Laws

Like every state, there are a plethora of laws that address gang criminal activity in the state of Washington. Under established common law, a criminal conspiracy exists when two or more people agree to commit almost any unlawful act, then take some action toward its completion. The action taken does not need to be a crime in itself, but must indicate that those involved in the conspiracy knew of the plan and intended to break the law. RCW § 9.94A.040 in particular states that a person is guilty of criminal conspiracy if s/he “agrees with one or more persons to engage in or cause the performance of such conduct, and any one of them takes a substantial step in pursuance of such agreement.”

Criminal conspiracy is as:

(a) Class A felony when the agreement is murder in the first degree;

(b) Class B felony when the agreement is a class A felony other than murder in the first degree;

(c) Class C felony when the agreement is a class B felony;

(d) Gross misdemeanor when the agreement a class C felony;

(e) Misdemeanor when the agreement is a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor.

Further, RCW 9A.82.060 defines the crime of leading organized crime as:

(a) Intentionally organizing, managing, directing, supervising, or financing any three or more persons with the intent to engage in a pattern of criminal profiteering activity (a Class A Felony); or

(b) Intentionally inciting or inducing others to engage in violence or intimidation with the intent to further or promote the accomplishment of a pattern of criminal profiteering activity (a Class B felony.

“Let My Extensive Experience as a Former Prosecutor Work For You."

The Law Offices of David M. Boertje handles all misdemeanor and felony criminal cases including charges of criminal conspiracy, drug charges, assault, and gang charges. We are dedicated to protecting your constitutional rights and freedom, and have successfully represented many defendants. When you understand the potential consequences of a misdemeanor or felony conviction, you will understand how important it is to work with an experienced attorney who knows the local courts and inner workings of law enforcement. Contact a Seattle traffic violations defense attorney online or call 206-621-8777 to schedule a free initial consultation. 24-hour-a-day call service is available at 206-660-6200.