How do I get a group of people legally declared a gang?

Question

I live in Reno Nevada. There is this group of people ranging from teenagers to men in their early thirties. This group routinely starts fights. Though I've seen it a number of times, it wasn't until this weekend that I finally found myself on the losing end of a 12 on 2 beatdown. I can identify many of the people involved. However, this is a very large group of people. Realistically, they don't have any clue who I am or where I live. However, they do know where the house is that the incident occurred and have threatened to assualt the girls who live there if anyone gives names. These guys have lots of guns. The police could probably nail three or four of these guys on the assault charges. However, there would still be a whole lot of these guys out of jail and I am concerned for the well being of the girls at the house.

So, this brings me to my question. In Reno, it is against the law to belong to gang. The way I understand it if a group is declared a gang, they can be arrested just for hanging out with each other. I would like to get them declared a gang so that they cannot go out in groups anymore. However, I need to do it without disclosing who is responsible. Is this possible? Even if it is impossible to do it without revealing my identity, how would it be done the normal way. Also, if you have any other suggestions on this predicament I'd love to hear them, I'm really at a loss here.

Answer 1

You cannot just have ppl labeled as a gang because a group of ppl whooped on you.  If the girls are worried... they can move.  There are certain things that make a group a gang... i would use google on that.  But its dumb to think that just because your upset because you got your a** beat that you can have all of them thrown in jail or even not allowed to see each other.  If thats the case no one would go out in a group of 3 or more cuz they would be considered a gang.  CAll the cops on the ones that beat you up for assualt... but your just being juvenile wanting a group of aggressive ppl as a gang just so they cant hang around each other anymore.  Come on.

Answer 2

A gang is defined as a group of people with a common identifier, who engage in criminal enterprise. There is no money in beating people up, so you would have to prove it was a requirement of initiation.

Several states have a penalty enhancers, where you can get stiffer penalties if the crime is gang motivated. But I'm not aware of any state that has laws against being in a gang.

Gangs rely on intimidation to get away with crimes. By not reporting them, you are telling them you are an easy mark. You are probably more at risk if you don't report it.