Racketeering

A broad definition of racketeering is as follows: Illegal acts involving a structured group of people for financial gain. Racketeering usually involves an illegal business or other illegal scheme to hide or obtain money.

Racketeering is usually associated with organized crime and the mafia because racketeering crimes are conducted within a structured group.

Being charged with racketeering is a serious offense and requires experienced legal representation. If you are charged with racketeering, you may want to contact a criminal defense attorney right away to protect your rights.

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act

As a United States Federal law, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO Act) allows for law enforcement to investigate and charge a group of people or an individual of committing two racketeering related crimes within a ten year period.

Racketeering covers a wide variety of offenses with the main goal of obtaining money illegally. Racketeering offenses include:

• Bankruptcy fraud
• Securities fraud
• Extortion
• Murder-for-hire
• Illegal gambling
• Arson
• Counterfeiting
• Embezzlement
• Slavery
• Sexual exploitation of children
• Prostitution
• Money laundering
• Bribery
• Drug trafficking
• Assisting the illegal entry of aliens into the United States
• Terrorist threats or acts

The RICO Act was initially intended to prosecute members of the mafia and organized crime. This act is now applied to a wider group of offenders.

Information about Racketeering

Racketeering can be committed against an individual, a business, or the government. Individuals or groups who commit racketeering acts can harm the government by counterfeiting currency or trading untaxed items such as alcohol.

Illegal businesses are usually to blame for covering up racketeering. However, legal businesses have been known to participate in racketeering activities. It is referred to as a white-collar crime when a legal business is involved in racketeering. Examples of white-collar crimes are money laundering and extortion.

Whether you are being charged with racketeering as part of a group or as an individual, you have rights and are entitled to legal representation. Please contact the law offices of Jacoby & Meyers to set up a consultation with a criminal defense attorney who will strategically plan your defense and work diligently to get your charges reduced or dismissed altogether. We have offices nationwide.