Akins

Defendant was charged in an amended information with two counts of first degree residential robbery, in concert with two or more persons, in violation of Penal Code sections 211 and 213, subdivision (a)(1)(A), two counts of assault by means of force likely to cause great bodily injury in violation of section 245, subdivision (a)(1), two counts of first degree residential burglary in violation of section 459, and one count of second degree commercial burglary in violation of section 459. With respect to each count, it was alleged that defendant committed each offense for the benefit of, and at the direction of, a criminal street gang, with the specific intent to promote and further criminal conduct by gang members, within the meaning of section 186.22, subdivision (b)(1). It was also alleged that defendant had suffered one prior conviction within the meaning of section 667.5, subdivision (b).

After a trial by jury, defendant was found guilty on all counts. Furthermore, the court found both the prior conviction and the gang allegations to be true. Defendant was sentenced to a total term of 16 years and 8 months. The court imposed two years on the criminal street gang…