This law section criminalizes recruiting or encouraging individuals, including juveniles, to join or remain in criminal street gangs, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. It also establishes enhanced penalties for repeat offenders, including a Class 2 felony for third or subsequent convictions. The law aims to deter gang recruitment and related criminal activities through strict penalties.
Soliciting, inviting, recruiting, encouraging, or causing someone to join or participate in a criminal street gang is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
Recruiting juveniles into gangs is a Class 6 felony, which carries serious criminal penalties and potential imprisonment.
A third or subsequent conviction within 10 years for gang-related offenses results in a Class 2 felony, which is a more severe penalty.
Using force or threatening force to encourage someone to join or remain in a gang is a Class 6 felony under Virginia law.