G.H. v. State of Indiana

OPINION

VAIDIK, Judge.

Case Summary

G.H. appeals the trial court’s true finding for what would be Class D felony criminal gang activity if committed by an adult. He argues that there is insufficient evidence to support his adjudication. We conclude that the State failed to prove that G.H. had a specific intent to further a gang’s criminal goals, which is necessary to sustain an adjudication for criminal gang activity. We reverse.

Facts and Procedural History

In December 2010, fourteen-year-old V.A. met a male friend to attend a party. Before going to the party, the two boys met another group of…