RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act)
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) allows federal prosecutors to charge individuals and organizations for engaging in ongoing criminal activity through an enterprise. RICO cases are commonly used in complex investigations involving organized crime, financial fraud, corruption, and coordinated criminal schemes.
Unlike statutes that focus on a single offense, RICO targets patterns of illegal conduct carried out over time. Multiple predicate offenses may be combined into a single case, significantly increasing potential penalties and exposure.
The statutes below define how RICO offenses are structured, what conduct is prohibited, and the penalties that may apply.
- 18 U.S.C. § 1961 – RICO Definitions and Racketeering Activity
- 18 U.S.C. § 1962 – RICO Prohibited Activities
- 18 U.S.C. § 1963 – RICO Criminal Penalties and Forfeiture
Understanding Federal RICO Charges
RICO statutes are often applied alongside other federal offenses and allow prosecutors to aggregate conduct that might otherwise be charged separately. These cases frequently involve extensive investigations, financial records, cooperating witnesses, and forfeiture proceedings.
Federal RICO Defense
RICO charges carry severe consequences and are aggressively prosecuted in federal court. If you are under investigation or facing RICO allegations, it is critical to speak with an attorney who understands how these statutes are charged and defended. Contact Combs Waterkotte online or call (314) 900-HELP to discuss your situation with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney.
