■  Rico Attorney

Rico Attorney
Las Vegas, Nevada

What is RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations)?

It is a United States federal law that provides for extended criminal penalties and a civil cause of action for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization. Any person who succeeded in establishing a civil RICO claim would automatically receive judgment in the amount of three times their actual damages and would be awarded their costs and attorneys' fees. Most racketeering violations are charged under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly known as RICO.

Rico Attorney - Las Vegas, Nevada

Under the federal RICO act, the US attorney may bring racketeering charges against a person or group that commits two criminal acts of racketeering as defined by the law within a ten year period and further violates other provisions of the RICO act. In addition to criminal penalties, the RICO law allows individuals harmed by Rico violations to sue for damages.

Rico Attorney - Las Vegas, Nevada

In United States, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act is a federal law enacted to give extended penalties in the prosecution of organized criminal acts. The RICO Act is codified as Chapter 96 of Title 18 of the US Code, which deals with federal crimes and criminal procedure. Although it was intended to be used for the Mafia and other groups engaged in organized crime, RICO has been used to prosecute all sorts of criminal activity since its inception.

What are the different types of RICO Offenses?

• Any violation of state statutes against gambling, murder, kidnapping, extortion, arson, robbery, bribery, dealing in obscene matter, or dealing in a controlled substance or listed chemical (as defined in the Controlled Substances Act).
• Any act of bribery, counterfeiting, theft, embezzlement, fraud, dealing in obscene matter, obstruction of justice, slavery, racketeering, gambling, money laundering, commission of murder-for-hire, and several other offenses covered under the Federal criminal code.
• Embezzlement of union funds.
• Bankruptcy fraud or securities fraud.
• Drug trafficking; long-term and elaborate drug networks can also be prosecuted using the Continuing Criminal Enterprise Statute.
• Money laundering and related offenses.
• Bringing in, aiding or assisting aliens in illegally entering the country (if the action was for financial gain).
• Acts of terrorism.

What are the penalties of RICO offenses - Las Vegas, NV?

RICO authorizes severe penalties of fine and imprisonment. The maximum punishment for an individual on a single RICO charge is imprisonment for twenty years (life if any of the predicate acts charged, such as murder, would permit such a punishment), and a fine of $250,000 or twice the proceeds of the offense. In addition, RICO revived the punishment of forfeiture of property, which before 1970 had been little used in American criminal law.

Are you accused of RICO offenses - Las Vegas, Nevada?

If you have been charged with racketeering, contact a criminal defense attorney now. To ensure your defense, you need an attorney with experience in defending against racketeering charges. If you have been charged under RICO or a state racketeering law, or believe that such a charge may be imminent, you can call Attorney William A. Kennedy in Las Vegas, Nevada for free consultations.