West Virginia § 61-13-3 - 61-13-3. Offenses.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 61-13-3 — 61-13-3. Offenses., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 61-13-3. 61-13-3. Offenses.
(a) Any person who knowingly and willfully becomes a member of a gang or an organized criminal enterprise, and who knowingly promotes, furthers, or assists in the commission of any qualifying offense himself or herself or in combination with another member of an organized criminal enterprise or gang, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be confined in a state correctional facility for not more than 10 years or fined not more than $25,000, or both imprisoned and fined. The offense set forth in this subsection is separate and distinct from that of any qualifying offense and may be punished separately.
(b) Any person who knowingly solicits, invites, recruits, encourages, or causes another to become a member of an organized criminal enterprise or gang, or to assist members of an organized criminal enterprise or gang, to aid or assist in the commission of a qualifying offense by one or more members of an organized criminal enterprise or gang, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be confined in a state correctional facility for not more than five years or fined not more than $10,000, or both imprisoned and fined. The offense set forth in this subsection is separate and distinct from that of any qualifying offense and may be punished separately.
(c) Any person who shall, by threats, menaces, or otherwise, intimidate, or attempt to intimidate, a witness for the state in any prosecution under the provisions of this article, for the purpose of preventing the attendance of the witness at the trial of the case or to change testimony, or shall in any way or manner prevent, or attempt to prevent, the attendance of any witness at the trial, shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be confined not more than 10 years.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 61-13-3
What does West Virginia Code § 61-13-3 cover?
Section 61-13-3 ("61-13-3. Offenses.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. 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 West Virginia § 61-13-3?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 61-13-3" (West Virginia). 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 West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 61-13-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia 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 West Virginia.