Coercing, Inducing, or Soliciting Membership in a Criminal Street Gang
Chapter 71 of the Texas Penal code defines organized crime offenses.
“Coercing, Inducing, or Soliciting Membership in a Criminal Street Gang”, as per § 71.022 of the Texas Penal Code, occurs when a person knowingly causes, enables, encourages, recruits, or solicits another person to become a member of a criminal street gang which, as a condition of initiation, admission, membership, or continued membership, requires the commission of any conduct which constitutes an offense punishable as a Class A misdemeanor or a felony.
A person commits an offense if, with intent to coerce, induce, or solicit a child to actively participate in the activities of a criminal street gang, the person:
- threatens the child or a member of the child's family with imminent bodily injury; or
- causes bodily injury to the child or a member of the child's family
An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree, unless it is a second or subsequent offense under this section in which case it is a felony of the second degree.
Punishment Range
Third Degree Felony
- Imprisonment in the institutional division for not more than 10 years or less than two years
- In addition to imprisonment, may receive a fine not to exceed $10,000
Second Degree Felony
- Imprisonment in the institutional division for not more than 20 years or less than two years
- In addition to imprisonment, may receive a fine not to exceed $10,000