Florida law allows greater penalties for crimes committed by members of street gangs. One of O.C. friends allegedly became mad at another boy for "messing" with his girlfriend. Gang members including O.C. allegedly decided to teach the boy a lesson by attacking his brother. The brother was beaten and his head was smashed through a fence. In juvenile court, O.C. was found guilty and sentenced as a street gang member. On appeal the Fifth District held the law unconstitutional.