译者说明：美国穷人的月工资可以按3000美元估算。

译者说明：美国的重罪处罚分为5种：极严重罪、一级重罪、二级重罪、三级重罪和州监禁罪。
§ 12.34.对个人的三级重罪判决为在公共监狱关押不超过10年或低于两年
除监押之外，对个人的三级重罪判决可并处罚金不超过10000美元。

译者说明：美国的轻罪分为三种：A类罪、B类罪、C类罪（C类罪最轻）
§ 12.23.对个人的C类轻罪判决不得超过500美元的罚金

下边是§ 12.34.和§ 12.23.的原文网址
http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/PE/content/htm/pe.003.00.000012.00.htm

CHAPTER 1333: ANTI-PYRAMID SALES LAW
§1333.91 Definitions.
As used in sections 1333.91 to 1333.94 of the Revised Code:
(A) “Pyramid sales plan or program” means any scheme, whether or not for the
disposal or distribution of property, whereby a person pays a consideration for
the chance or opportunity to receive compensation, regardless of whether he
also receives other rights or property, under either of the following circumstances:
(1) For introducing one or more persons into participation in the plan or
program;
(2) When another participant has introduced a person into participation in
the plan or program.
(B) “Compensation” means money, financial benefit, or anything of value.
Compensation
does not include payment based upon sales made to persons who
are not participants in a pyramid sales plan or program, and who are not purchasing
in order to participate in the plan or program.
(C) “Consideration” does not include:
(1) Payment for sales demonstration equipment and materials furnished at
cost, whereby no profit, commission, fee, rebate or other benefit is realized(责任编辑：晓明反传销)