Practice Areas

Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization

The term racketeering refers to when an organized group runs an illegal business to make a profit or when a crime ring embezzles money through a legitimate group or organization. There are many ways individuals and group of associates can be accused of the crime according to the Racketeer Influenced and Corruptions Act (RICO). The RICO Act lists out 37 possible racketeering crimes, as well as the punishments that those who carry out those crimes should face.

Some of the more common ones we have seen include:

Murder for Hire
Money laundering
Wire or Mail Fraud
Health Care Fraud
Drug trafficking
Extortion
Marriage and Visa Fraud
Conspiracy offenses
Crimes Involving Interstate Commerce

Penalties

Racketeering is considered as a very serious crime, both at a state and federal level, and is usually punished according to the RICO Act. Before a person is even given his/her sentence, they will likely be required to give up all goods and profits that came as a result of the scheme. This can, and often does, include things like the house, car, and any other possessions that were purchased through illegal means.

Nevertheless, giving these funds and items up willingly does not mean you will not also be required to face further punishments after your conviction.

The Punishment Can Range

Up to 20 years in a federal prison; and/or

A fine of $25,000 per RICO violation

Although the RICO Act sets a 20-year maximum sentence for racketeering offenses, this can be extended according to the additional crimes that racketeering charges often involve. However, the underlying or predicate acts usually also involve additional crimes such as murder for hire, attempted murder, frauds, counterfeit, extortion. Each of those crimes will carry their own sentence that will be added on to the overall punishment.

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