Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO)
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (commonly referred to as “RICO”) was first enacted as part of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970. RICO can be prosecuted in either State or Federal Court. Both jurisdictions provide for severe criminal penalties. While its application was intended to be mainly used to prosecute those who are actively engaged in organized crime, it has become more widespread and has been used as a tool for law enforcement to go investigate and prosecute individuals and businesses never originally contemplated under the statute.
Under federal RICO, an illegal enterprise is required. This is commonly believed to be a drug cartel or a street gang, but it can also be a corporation. The enterprise simply has to be a discrete entity. However, a single individual is not an enterprise. A person who is a member of an enterprise that has committed any two of 35 crimes within a 10-year period can be charged with racketeering (RICO). The RICO law defines 35 offenses that constitute racketeering, including drug dealing, murder, money laundering, kidnapping, arson, and bribery. A person found guilty can face decades in prison and can be required to forfeit all property derived from the enterprise.
We Can Help!
As a former State and Federal prosecutor, David Haas can represent you through the extremely complex RICO laws. Haas Law has the knowledge, experience, and background in handling RICO cases. We are available 7 days a week at 407-755-7675.
Haas Law represents clients nationwide and throughout Central Florida, including the cities of Orlando, Daytona, Winter Park, Oviedo, Windermere, and Kissimmee, as well as the entire State of Florida.