Human trafficking and transporting stolen goods are other offenses that can result in RICO charges.īribery and extortion are similar crimes frequently charged as RICO violations. Most RICO crimes involve making or obtaining money through illegal means.Ĭommon types of RICO money-making schemes include drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and murder or arson for hire. RICO Case ExamplesĪs described above, prosecutors must show a pattern of criminal activities, which means committing two or more RICO crimes within a ten-year period. For example, if you are accused of embezzlement, you might be required to return embezzled money and other property to crime victims. Under federal and Texas state RICO laws, any victims of racketeering activities might seek restitution from defendants accused of RICO violations. If you are indicted on RICO charges, prosecutors might seek an order for forfeiture and seizure of assets before you have been convicted of your charges. In addition to fines and prison time, you could be required to forfeit money and other property that was derived from the alleged criminal activity. For example, if the underlying offense is murder for hire, you might be facing a sentence of life in prison.

However, the maximum sentencing may be increased if the maximum sentencing for the underlying crime is more than 20 years in prison. What Are The Penalties For A RICO Conviction?Ĭonvictions based solely on a RICO charge can result in up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Unfortunately, defendants with RICO charges are subject to severe penalties if convicted. Or they can be different crimes, such as a single act of embezzlement and an act of murder for hire.Īs mentioned above, RICO can be broadly applied, especially when prosecutors only need to show that two crimes were committed within ten years of each other. The separate crimes can be the same crimes, such as two individual acts of bribery. It is not necessary to prove that the people involved in the enterprise knew each other, only that they were involved in the organization.Ī pattern of activity can be established by proving that a defendant committed any two of the RICO crimes within a ten-year window. An enterprise or organization involves two or more people working together. Other types of organized criminal activitiesĪ person can be charged with RICO violations if they engage in a pattern of criminal activity in connection with an enterprise or organization.Dealing or trafficking controlled substances or chemicals.Crimes that are often charged under the RICO Act include the following: This Act was originally enacted in 1970 to address loopholes that allowed organized crime leaders to escape responsibility for crimes they ordered to be committed by others in their organizations.Īlthough RICO was initially intended to curb mafia crimes, its application has been expanded to cover all types of criminal activity that can be tied to some type of enterprise or organization. RICO stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Keep reading to learn more about RICO charges, the consequences of a conviction, and potential defenses. They know that RICO laws are often broadly applied to a wide variety of alleged criminal conduct and activities. Many crimes may be charged under the RICO Act, such as embezzlement, kidnapping, and money laundering.įederal crimes attorneys at Vinas & Graham, PLLC, represent clients facing RICO charges. As explained in more detail below, RICO charges are not limited to mafia-related activities. If you are under investigation or have been charged with RICO crimes, you should understand the charges and potential penalties you may be facing.

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