Like Sunray says, it has a whole lot to do with the inmate himself; whether he's involved in gang activity or he decides to stay 'solo' and either have associates or not.
I'm not saying that everyone has the strength of character or integrity to do this - or even the wish to do so. But it is certainly very much an individual choice.
For what it's worth, my MWI in Beto has had two minor cases in 8½ years, and he does whatever he can to keep his life 'as boring as possible', as he says.
(And judging by the last 15 months that I have known him, this IS the way he conduct himself.)
Beto is probably as rough as they come (correct me, Natalie, if I'm wrong) - but even if you're doing life, you still have the choice of how to live the life you have.
This is also where the support from outside can assist an inmate in making good choices and making it easier to 'make life boring'