A Basic Guide to RICO Violations
Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 19-Jan-2012
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) was enacted in 1970 to help tackle the across-the-board uptick in organized crime. Thirty-five different crimes are covered under RICO, and penalties for those convicted of violating RICO’s ordinances can be severe, with fines up to $25,000 and prison sentences of up to twenty years for each violation. For an overview of RICO violations in Texas, continue reading this article.
Drug Trafficking
Without the intense organization and planning that well-developed drug networks put into the drug trafficking process, the drug trade in the U.S. would not be flourishing as it is. In accordance with RICO and the Continuing Criminal Enterprise Statute, large-scale drug traffickers involved in elaborate drug trafficking operations may be fined up to $2 million and face life in prison.
Money Laundering
Through sophisticated methods of concealment, billions of dollars are illegally funneled into and throughout the United States each year. If you have knowingly made a monetary transaction with someone who obtains money illegally, you could face money laundering charges. To spare yourself from hefty fines and decades of imprisonment, hire a criminal defense attorney to aggressively prepare your case. There are several different types of money laundering that are covered under RICO. To find out more about them, speak to your criminal defense attorney.
Criminal Corruption
The labor racketeers of the 19th-century Italian mafia have left quite a legacy on organized crime around the world. In order to prevent unfair advantage, the elimination of competition in markets, and other labor law violations, RICO gives court officials the jurisdiction to issue high fines and lengthy prison sentences to convicted labor racketeers.
Have you been accused of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act? If you are looking for an experienced criminal defense attorney in Plano to represent you as you seek to prove your innocence or keep your penalties to a minimum, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass. Contact us to arrange a free initial consultation today!