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 | | In Hernandez the Court recognized the authority of the trial court to bifurcate trial of a gang enhancement from trial of guilt in a case in which the evidence necessary to establish the requirements of section 186.22, subdivision (b), may be unduly prejudicial. |
 | | Velasquez’s gang affiliation, including his gang’s territory, was highly relevant to prove the intent behind and motive for the crimes to intimidate non-gang members in gang territory, establish the gang’s dominance on its turf and demonstrate the degree of violence to which the gang would resort to achieve those objectives. |
 | | Moreover, Velasquez “announced” his status as an 18th Street gang member by wearing gang tattoos on his arm, chest, ear, wrist and on the back of his head, which were visible to his victims and witnesses of his crimes. |
| www.courtinfo.ca.gov /opinions/revnppub/B171476.DOC (6287 words) |
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