What is the test for combining criminal charges with gang-related charges?

That was clearly the situation in this case. The gang evidence was not only relevant in terms of establishing appellants' actions were gang related, it also shed considerable light on their motive and intent in committing the underlying offenses. Therefore, any inference of prejudice from combining the charges was effectively dispelled, and there was no need for bifurcation. (People v. Hernandez, supra, 33 Cal.4th at pp. 1049-1050.) Suffice it to say, defense counsel was not ineffective for failing to advocate otherwise.