Pennsylvania — Statute

5131 – Recruiting Criminal Gang Members | Pennsylvania Law

Pennsylvania's law on recruiting criminal gang members criminalizes solicitation and intimidation, with penalties based on severity and age of the recruit.

Legal Content

Pennsylvania State Law

5131 – Recruiting Criminal Gang Members

Pennsylvania Title 18 - Crimes and Offenses § 5131

Summary

Pennsylvania law Section 5131 criminalizes recruiting individuals into criminal gangs through solicitation, intimidation, or inflicting bodily harm. The law classifies offenses based on severity, with increased penalties if the target is under 16. It clarifies that not joining the gang is not a defense and defines a criminal gang as a group involved in ongoing criminal activities with at least three members.

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Explain Like I'm 5

In simple terms: Pennsylvania's law on recruiting criminal gang members criminalizes solicitation and intimidation, with penalties based on severity and age of the recruit.. This means people must follow this rule, and breaking it can lead to criminal penalties.