Gang Recruitment

Gangs and gang-related activity has been a prominent issue in American society for quite some time. Some individuals are more likely to encounter gangs than others due to where they live, work, or go to school. Some gangs rigorously recruit members in these types of settings with force or other intimidating tactics. Crimes associated with gangs can carry heavier punishments than if they were committed by a single individual.

If you feel that you have been forced into gang membership and you have been accused of gang-related activity, contact the Champaign criminal defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices at (217) 328-6000 to discuss your case, free of charge.

Forced Membership

Under Illinois law, it is considered to be a Class 2 felony if a person intimidates or physically harms you in order to compel you to join their gang. If you try to leave a gang and an individual tries to prevent you from doing so, it is also a Class 2 felony.

If you are under the age of 18, it is a Class 1 felony to try to force you to join ranks with a gang using unlawful tactics. This also applies if you are trying to leave the gang.

For both minors and adults, if you are attempting to leave an organization, it does not matter if the gang is an organized crime group or not, it would still be a felony to impede your departure.

School Recruitment

If someone tries to recruit you into their gang on school grounds or on public property near a school, it is a Class 1 felony. “Recruiting” in this case can mean simply conspiring or implementing force, coercion, enticement, or persuasion to get you to join a gang.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know feels that they have been unlawfully compelled to join a gang and then subsequently accused of committing a gang-related crime, it is highly recommended that you seek competent legal counsel. Contact the Champaign criminal defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices at (217) 328-6000 to receive a free consultation.