Opinion ID: 2641038
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Trece Conducts Business Under a Common Name

Text: ¶39 We also conclude that Trece meets the second requirement of rule 17(d) in that it operates under a common name. The district court found that “Ogden Trece has, as a group, an identifying name or identifying symbol or both.” Additionally, “Trece has identifiable hand signs, gestures, and clothing . . . that distinguishes [it] from other criminal street gangs.” Trece members are required to “put in work,” meaning committing the type of criminal transactions listed above “to bring recognition and money into the gang.” And these findings were amply supported by evidence that was admitted during the evidentiary hearing. ¶40 Duane Dreamer, a self-identified “shot caller” in Trece, testified that the two main rules of the gang are to not “rank out” and to “represent to the fullest,” which means to “always let everybody known where you are from.” The gang very jealously protects its own name. It goes to great lengths in order to protect its brand. It has internal processes for induction of new members and advancement into leadership positions. It also punishes individuals who falsely attempt to identify themselves as gang members. Members who are “jumped out” of the gang must cover up their tattoos and no longer claim membership in the gang. ¶41 Trece derives its power and influence in the community from exactly this type of “representing.” It is one of the two cardinal rules of the gang that members represent the gang wherever they go. This representation by the members’ clothing, the gang signs, the tattoos, and the graffiti has the effect of making the gang almost omnipresent in the community. Trece’s presence is felt even when its members are not engaged in gang-related activity because they 12 Cite as: 2013 UT 62 Opinion of the Court constantly use the name of the gang and “represent.” Indeed, the very identity of gang members is tightly interwoven with the name of the gang. ¶42 Based on the foregoing, we have no difficulty concluding that Trece transacted its business under a “common name” under rule 17(d). Because Trece (1) transacts business (2) under a common name, it is an unincorporated association amenable to suit.