Recruiting Criminal Gang Membership
Organized crime rings are aggressively sought out throughout the state of Florida. Criminal gangs, also known as street gangs, are one form of organized crime that is constantly pursued by the police. These criminal groups are seen as a particular threat to local communities and society as a whole, because they frequently commit violent crimes and recruit young teens and adults to join their ranks.
If you have been arrested for recruiting individuals for gang membership, you are likely facing severe criminal charges. Contact the West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. to discuss your case.
Criminal Charges
Any involvement with a criminal gang is illegal under Florida law, and a gang member or organizer may be arrested on multiple charges if his or her affiliation is discovered. Recruiting others to join a gang is one example of a gang-related crime that is penalized heavily.
Any act of soliciting, encouraging, or recruiting an individual to join a gang, in which the commission of a crime is a condition of membership, is classified as a third degree felony. The charge may be elevated to a second degree felony if the offender has a previous conviction for gang recruitment.
Possible Penalties
An individual who is convicted of a third degree felony for recruiting criminal gang membership will receive one or more of the following penalties:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- Up to 5 years probation
If the sentence is elevated to a second degree felony, a court-ordered punishment may include:
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Up to 15 years probation
If you have been charged with recruiting gang membership, it may be in your best interest to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to begin preparing your defense.
Contact Us
Don’t enter the courtroom feeling unprepared to defend your case. For sound legal advice and assistance regarding your gang-related charges, contact the West Palm Beach criminal attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800.
