If you have recently received a RICO charge, you may have a lot of questions. The outcome of your case largely depends upon the experience and knowledge of the attorney you have representing you. But it is important for you to understand what a RICO charge means for you going forward.
What Is A RICO Charge?
RICO stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations. The RICO Act first went into effect on October 15, 1970 and it was also referred to as the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, or OCCA.
The federal RICO Act was once used as a way to fight groups participating in organized crime, such as the mafia. It closed a loophole that allowed people like mob bosses to get away with federal crimes that they had ordered others to commit but that they had not committed themselves.
But in recent years, this law has been expanded so that it covers a range of criminal acts that have been committed through coercion or extortion. Its focus is on racketeering, which means making money from organized legal activity. Today, criminal organizations and businesses that are suspected to be engaging in criminal activities can be prosecuted under the RICO Act.
What Crimes Constitute As A RICO Charge?
In order to receive federal racketeering charges under the RICO Act, crimes must be connected to some type of ongoing criminal enterprise. These crimes are known as “predicate” crimes, and at least two must be committed by the same criminal enterprise within two years of one another.
There are several examples of crimes that are covered under the RICO Act, and they include:
- Bank fraud
- Drug trafficking
- Murder
- Mail fraud
- Money laundering
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Gambling
- Counterfeiting
What Are The Penalties For A Crime Charged Under The RICO Act?
Getting a RICO charge is very serious because it allows for major civil and criminal penalties. This is due to the fact that the crimes are carried out on behalf of a criminal organization. Every situation is different, but some people who are convicted of racketeering under the RICO Act receive prison sentences of up to 20 years for each count.
Certain predicate crimes, such as murder, could result in a sentence of life in prison. Fines are also a possibility, and the court may impose a fine of as much as $250,000 or two times the amount of illegal profits that were earned from racketeering.
Other penalties people can incur after being convicted under the federal RICO Act include:
- Asset forfeiture, including forfeiting any interest the individual holds in the criminal enterprise.
- Lawsuits from individuals or businesses who can sue for damages because of criminal activity.
Choose A Qualified Houston Criminal Defense Attorney To Represent You
A RICO charge is very serious, and you need proper legal representation if you have been charged with a crime under the RICO Act. An experienced federal crimes attorney will be able to properly advise you of your rights under the law. They will also know the best defense strategy to use for the best possible outcome of your case.
At Vinas & Graham, we are one of the most well-known Houston criminal law firms. We have represented many clients who received RICO charges, so we are very experienced in this area. You can depend on us for truthful, sound legal advice. Please contact us if you would like to make an appointment, and make sure to follow us on Facebook to learn even more.