New Gun Law Signed In Honor Of Slain Chicago Cop...

[spin]

Dec 3, 2009 11:37 am US/Central

CHICAGO (CBS) ―

Can new gun laws really stop the gang violence in Chicago? Mayor Daley and Governor Quinn are betting on it.

On Thursday morning, they signed new legislation targeting gang members.

The new law is named in honor of Chicago Police Officer Alejandro Valadez. He was shot and killed last summer in a gang drive-by shooting.

The new bill increases criminal penalties for weapons crimes by street gang members. The law will send gang members to prison for three to 10 years for having a gun.

Officials contend Valadez's shooter was a gang member on probation for unlawful use of a weapon. The new law would have meant prison time for him
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/gun.law.chicago.2.1347697.html

[X_Digger]

1. Doulbe plus plus illegal!

How much do you want to be that they'll still plea bargain gun charges away?

[slackmaster]

2. I have mixed feelings - This law was clearly designed to be enforced selectively

I wonder if members of white criminal organizations will receive the sentence enhancement.

[Indy Lurker]

5. some more info

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-gang-gun-law-04-dec04,0,4931162.story

"The statute defines a gang as any group of at least three people with a hierarchy that engages in a pattern of criminal activity. The law specifies it is not necessary for prosecutors to show the criminal group has a name, insignias, colors, territory or other symbolism commonly linked with street gangs in order to apply the law to members."


It only apply to a weapon that was used unlawfully.

[TPaine7]

6. No problem as long as it's all gangs, from Hell's Angels to Crips

Of course, IMHO any group that claims territory in the US and engages in physical intimidation of US citizens has declared war against the United States of America and could be treated accordingly. That would mean, it seems, that their soldiers could be shot on sight and that prisoners could be held until cessation of hostilities.

[JonQ]

7. Interesting approach

[S_B_Jackson]

9. I wonder if, when applicable, will the Cook County District Atty's office

have the balls to use this statute against crooked cops?

[Tim01]

3. Harsher punishments for criminals. I'm fine with that.

I'd rather they go after the criminals instead of the guns.

I know how the rule of unintended consequences goes though.

[Hoopla Phil]

4. Sounds like "Project Exile"

[JonQ]

8. As long as they stick to the original intent

of this law, no worries.

But I'm concerned who will be declared a "gang member" as a result.

[AtheistCrusader]

10. I'm concerned who won't.

Needs to apply to all gang members, all colors, all forms of activity. Otherwise, this probably raises bill of attainder issues.

Which is mildly hilarious, in a morbid, gallows humor sort of way.

[Taitertots]

11. Just one of the things gun rights supporters have been begging them to do

Are they finally going to start actually prosecuting the criminal gangs?

[Indy Lurker]

12. Some counties do

In Boone County (IL) they are suing gangs in civil court.

"Back in July, Courier (State's attorney) filed a civil lawsuit against the gang the Latin Kings. A state statute allowing that action has been on the books since 1993, but this is the first time Boone County has taken advantage.

Courier says suing a gang is like suing a corporation, so she filed against 30 gang members on behalf of the organization. The main injunction allows police to arrest known gang members if they're spotted together in public.

Courier also wants to ban Latin Kings gang members from visiting certain areas where they tend to congregate, like Belvidere Park. She also wants to make sure kids drawings are the only things marking playground equipment, so the order prohibits graffiti. Plus it seeks to keep the defendants from owning guns and trafficking drugs."



http://www.wifr.com/home/headlines/60844627.html

[spin]

13. While targeting gangs is a damn good idea...

targeting anyone who owns or carries a firearm illegally might be a better one.

But both are far more effective than harassing those who own and use firearms in a responsible manner with "feel good" laws.