Is being a gang member classified as a criminal offense?

Being a gang member is not classified as a criminal offense in itself; rather, it can be a factor that enhances the severity of a crime. This means that while merely being part of a gang does not constitute a crime, gang affiliation can influence how the law treats certain actions. For example, if a crime is committed by someone who is identified as a gang member, prosecutors may seek harsher penalties due to the association with gang activities, which can be seen as a contributing factor to the crime's seriousness. This concept is often reflected in sentencing enhancements or specific laws that target gang-related activities. Thus, affiliation with a gang does have legal implications, but it does not inherently constitute a criminal act on its own.