What is RICO?

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), is a federal law that provides for extended criminal penalties and a civil cause of action for acts done as part of an ongoing criminal organization. Specifically, RICO focuses on racketeering or performing dishonest and fraudulent business dealings. This bill was designed to target the leaders of syndicates, who often order people to do crimes but never commit the crimes themselves.

RICO was passed in 1970 as part of the Organized Crime Control Act and signed into law by Richard Nixon. It was originally designed to prosecute the Mafia and other individuals participating in organized crime, but its use is now more widespread.

Racketeering could be considered any of the following: Any act or threat involving murder, kidnapping, arson, robbery, bribery, extortion, dealing in a controlled substance or listed chemical, dealing in obscene matter, harboring certain illegal aliens, obstruction of justice, slavery, and others.

If you have been accused of committing a crime in Miami, then you may want to call an experienced criminal defense attorney for legal advice.