Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations Act
Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO Act”) is a federal act which provides for extended criminal penalties and a cause of action for acts performed in ongoing criminal organizations. The purpose is to eradicate organized crime in the United States. Racketeering is dishonest and fraudulent business dealings, and the act allows leaders of criminal organizations to be held responsible for those, as well as those crimes that they ordered others to do.
Federal Statute
The statute for Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations is 18 U.S.C. § 1962, which states that It is unlawful for anyone employed by or associated with any enterprise engaged in, or the activities of which affect, interstate or foreign commerce, to conduct or participate, directly or indirectly, in the conduct of such enterprise’s affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity or collection of unlawful debt.
Elements of the Crime
In order to be convicted of Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations, the prosecution must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt. The criminal defense attorneys at Cannon & Associates are FIERCE ADVOCATES for every client and will hold the government to their burden in your case. In order to be convicted of this crime; the government must prove:
1) An enterprise existed;
2) The enterprise affected interstate commerce;
3) The defendant was associated with or employed by the enterprise;
4) The defendant engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity; and
5) The defendant conducted or participated in the conduct of the enterprise through that pattern of racketeering activity through the commission of at least two acts of racketeering activity as set forth in the indictment.
What the Skilled Lawyers at Cannon & Associates Can Do For You
Being charged with Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations is a serious matter. The Oklahoma criminal defense attorneys at Cannon & Associates are Fierce Advocates for Families and Freedom and will fight for you! At Cannon & Associates, we have extensive criminal defense experience, and will be with you every step of the way. We will take care to explain the issues and options to get you to your desired result and support you in this difficult time.
Contact – Cannon & Associates: Oklahoma Criminal Defense
Cannon & Associates is dedicated to Fierce Advocacy for Oklahoma criminal defendants and will fight for you. Founder John Cannon has been recognized as a Super Lawyer and Top 40 under 40. Contact Cannon & Associates to protect your rights and fight your criminal case in Oklahoma. Complete the CONTACT FORM ON THIS PAGE NOW or CALL at 405-657-2323 for a free confidential case evaluation.