Indianapolis White Collar Crime Lawyers

Racketeering & RICO Violations

Racketeering involves the infiltration of criminal enterprises into legitimate businesses. Congress enacted the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) in 1970 to curtail this type of criminal activity. RICO is a federal law allowing the government to place in trusteeship organizations which are convicted of being dominated by racketeers or organized crime.  There are four types of prohibited conduct under the federal civil RICO statute:

• Invest funds obtained illegally
• Acquire an interest in a business through illegal conduct
• Conduct the affairs of a business by illegal means
• Conspire to commit any of the above conduct

Prohibited conduct can be asserted against either an individual or an enterprise, as long as it’s affecting interstate or foreign commerce.  Racketeering is considered to be a serious threat to the economic well-being of the United States, which is why federal prosecutors and investigators take this offense so seriously.  Under RICO, a person who is a member of an enterprise that has committed two of any 35 crimes—27 federal crimes and 8 state crimes—within a 10-year period can be charged with racketeering. Those found guilty of racketeering can be fined up to $25,000 and/or sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for each individual racketeering count. In addition, the racketeer must forfeit all illegally obtained gains and interest in any business gained through a pattern of racketeering activity. RICO also permits a private individual harmed by the actions of such an enterprise to file a civil suit, and if successful, the individual can collect treble damages.

Attorneys Helping Violators of RICO in Indianapolis

An Indianapolis RICO attorney from our firm will be able to recognize the difficult issues that may come about in your case, and will utilize various parts of the statute depending upon the facts surrounding your case.  RICO violations are known for being highly complex legal issues so your only chance of overcoming this legal predicament is to enlist the help of a lawyer who knows how to effectively handle this serious federal charge. 

Contact an Indianapolis RICO lawyer at Schembs Sweeney Law today to discuss your racketeering violation charges!