AB 179

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing law provides that disobedience of the terms of an injunction that restrains the activities of a criminal street gang or any of its members constitutes contempt of court, and is punishable as a misdemeanor. The punishment for a misdemeanor is imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding 6 months, or a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both. This bill would specify the penalties for a violation of the above provision to include imprisonment in a county jail for not more than 6 months, or by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or by both that fine and imprisonment. For a 2nd violation occurring within 7 years of the first violation, the bill would provide for imprisonment in a county jail for not more than 9 months, or by a fine not exceeding $2,500, or by both that fine and imprisonment. For a 3rd and subsequent violation occurring within 7 years of a prior violation, the bill would provide for imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, or by a fine not exceeding $5,000, or by both that fine and imprisonment. Because this bill would increase the penalties for an existing crime, it would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.