Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act

Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, is often called RICO. Charges under the RICO act allow the Government to prosecute with extended penalties, civil forfeiture, and broader liability for those charged as part of a criminal organization.

RICO was enacted by section 901(a) of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 and codified by Chapter 96 of Title 18 of the United States Code, 18 U.S.C. § 1961–1968. RICO was popularly utilized in the 1970’s and 1980’s to prosecute the Mafia the use of RICO to charge and enhance penalties have been much more common against common businesses and unsophisticated associations. A RICO indictment allows the prosecutor to seek a pre-trial restraining order or injunction to temporarily seize a person’s assets and prevent the transfer the assets in question.

Predicate Offense

A predicate offense is defined as a violation of state statutes against gambling, murder, kidnapping, extortion, arson, robbery, bribery, dealing in obscene matter, or dealing in a controlled substance; Any act of bribery, counterfeiting, theft, embezzlement, fraud, dealing in obscene matter, obstruction of justice, slavery, racketeering, gambling, money laundering, commission of murder-for-hire, and many other offenses covered under the Federal criminal code Title 18. The Government must prove two or more predicate offenses to convict on a RICO violation.

The laws and rules of RICO are complex and can be devastating. Attorney Brennan is an experience lawyer who can help guide you through any Federal charges or indictments including RICO charges.

Attorney Brennan is experienced in handling cases related to RICO in the Greater Boston area including Worcester, Lowell, Lynn, Lawrence, Newton, Cambridge, Brockton, Barnstable, Woburn, Salem and Chelsea.