§25. Use of minors in crimes of violence

(a) Definitions.-In this section, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) Crime of violence.-The term "crime of violence" has the meaning set forth in section 16.

(2) Minor.-The term "minor" means a person who has not reached 18 years of age.

(3) Uses.-The term "uses" means employs, hires, persuades, induces, entices, or coerces.

(b) Penalties.-Any person who is 18 years of age or older, who intentionally uses a minor to commit a crime of violence for which such person may be prosecuted in a court of the United States, or to assist in avoiding detection or apprehension for such an offense, shall-

(1) for the first conviction, be subject to twice the maximum term of imprisonment and twice the maximum fine that would otherwise be authorized for the offense; and

(2) for each subsequent conviction, be subject to 3 times the maximum term of imprisonment and 3 times the maximum fine that would otherwise be authorized for the offense.

(Added Pub. L. 108–21, title VI, §601[(a)], Apr. 30, 2003, 117 Stat. 686 .)