A person commits an offense if, with the intent to establish, maintain, or participate in a combination or in the profits of a combination or as a member of a criminal street gang, the person commits or conspires to commit one or more of certain offenses. Which offense is described?

• A. Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity
• B. Unlawful Use of Firearms
• C. Possession of Controlled Substances
• D. Tax Evasion

Answer: (A)

Engaging in organized criminal activity. This offense targets someone who intentionally becomes part of a criminal organization or criminal street gang and, in doing so, commits or conspires to commit offenses for the benefit of that group. The key elements are the intent to establish, maintain, or participate in the organization (or its profits) and the act of committing or conspiring to commit offenses in furtherance of that organization. The other options describe separate crimes—using firearms unlawfully, possessing controlled substances, or evading taxes—that don’t require membership in a gang or participation in an organized crime structure, so they don’t fit the scenario.