District Of Columbia § 22-951 - Criminal street gangs.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 22-951 — Criminal street gangs., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-951. Criminal street gangs.
22-951It is unlawful for a person to solicit, invite, recruit, encourage, or otherwise cause, or attempt to cause, another individual to become a member of, remain in, or actively participate in what the person knows to be a criminal street gang.
A person convicted of a violation of this subsection shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in or imprisoned for not more than 6 months, or both.
It is unlawful for any person who is a member of or actively participates in a criminal street gang to knowingly and willfully participate in any felony or violent misdemeanor committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with any other member or participant of that criminal street gang.
A person convicted of a violation of this subsection shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in or imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both.
It is unlawful for a person to use or threaten to use force, coercion, or intimidation against any person or property, in order to:
Cause or attempt to cause an individual to:
Join a criminal street gang;
Participate in activities of a criminal street gang;
Remain as a member of a criminal street gang; or
Submit to a demand made by a criminal street gang to commit a felony in violation of the laws of the District of Columbia, the United States, or any other state; or
Retaliate against an individual for a refusal to:
Join a criminal street gang;
Participate in activities of a criminal street gang;
Remain as a member of a criminal street gang; or
Submit to a demand made by a criminal street gang to commit a felony in violation of the laws of the District of Columbia, the United States, or any other state.
A person convicted of a violation of this subsection shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in or imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both.
The penalties under this section are in addition to any other penalties permitted by law.
For the purposes of this section, the term:
“Criminal street gang” means an association or group of 6 or more persons that:
Has as a condition of membership or continued membership, the committing of or actively participating in committing a crime of violence, as defined by ); or
Has as one of its purposes or frequent activities, the violation of the criminal laws of the District, or the United States, except for acts of civil disobedience.
“Violent misdemeanor” shall mean:
Destruction of property ();
Simple assault ();
Stalking ( [see now ]);
Threats to do bodily harm ();
Criminal abuse or criminal neglect of a vulnerable adult ();
Cruelty to animals (); and
Possession of prohibited weapon ().
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 22-951
What does D.C. Code § 22-951 cover?
Section 22-951 ("Criminal street gangs.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 22-951?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 22-951" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 22-951 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.