Cruz-Quintanilla v. State

We consider in this case whether evidence of a convicted defendant’s membership in a gang is admissible at sentencing, where the gang membership is unrelated to the underlying criminal conviction but the evidence establishes that all gang members are aware of, and required to participate in, the criminal acts of violence of the gang. For the reasons that follow, we answer that question in the affirmative.

⅜—i

The trial, sentencing, and appeal

Petitioner Oscar Cruz-Quintanilla. was indicted in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County on numerous charges in connection with the robbery of the…