Francisco’s qualifications as a gang expert witness are grounded in both extensive lived experience and formal academic training. He spent 17 years involved in gang life in Los Angeles and was a ward of the state, residing in multiple juvenile halls and camps throughout Los Angeles County. During this time, he developed direct knowledge of gang culture, structure, operations, and inter-gang dynamics. 

While incarcerated in several California state institutions, Francisco’s involvement with a prison gang further expanded his understanding of the distinctions between street gangs and prison gangs, including hierarchy, governance, and cultural norms. 

He later earned a Master’s degree in Social Welfare and studied under Jorja Leap, PhD, a nationally recognized gang researcher with over 40 years of experience. This combination of firsthand experience, institutional exposure, and academic scholarship forms the foundation of his expertise in gang identification, behavior, and organizational structure,

Conducts comprehensive social assessments that examine environmental influences, social determinants, family structure, intergenerational and historical trauma, and acute traumatic experiences.

Conducts gang affiliation assessments, applying extensive gang knowledge and expertise to evaluate and determine the presence, scope, and nature of gang membership or involvement.

Conducts gang nexus assessments, utilizing both lived experience and academic training to analyze and determine the relationship, if any, between alleged gang involvement and the charged offense.

To establish authenticity and produce a thorough, credible evaluation, at least three in-person meetings are required. These meetings are essential to build rapport and trust, allowing for candid and meaningful dialogue. They also provide the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s background, including social, environmental, and trauma-related factors that may not surface in a single interview. 

Multiple meetings ensure the individual is accurately and humanely represented in both written reports and testimony, presenting a full contextual narrative rather than a limited snapshot. Additionally, this process allows for guidance, intervention, and mentorship when appropriate—supporting not only the integrity of the assessment but also the individual’s personal development and accountability.

Once the report is compiled, Francisco is prepared to testify in court to provide a clear, in-depth analysis of his findings and the methodology used to reach them. Court testimony is critical because it allows him to contextualize complex gang dynamics, social history factors, and trauma-related influences in a manner that is accessible and understandable to judges and juries. 

Through live testimony, he can clarify technical terminology, explain cultural nuances within gang structures, and distinguish between common misconceptions and evidence-based conclusions. Testifying also allows for transparency, as he can articulate the foundation of his opinions, respond to cross-examination, and demonstrate how his lived experience and academic training inform his professional assessments. This ensures that the court receives a comprehensive, balanced, and well-supported understanding of the case.