Ohio RICO Defense

What Is the RICO Act?

The RICO Act refers to a set of anti-racketeering laws which were intended to eradicate organized crime by establishing strong sanctions and forfeiture provisions. Passed in 1970, it stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

The term "racketeering" was coined by the Employers' Association of Chicago (now replaced by the more recent Management Association of Illinois) in June 1927 in a statement about the influence of organized crime in the Teamsters union. If a person or group committed two or more of a pre-determined group of white collar crimes within a 10-month period, the RICO Act allowed law enforcement to charge that person or group with racketeering.

The RICO Act was significant in case law because it effectively redefined the crime of racketeering in all federal and state jurisdictions.

In its original wording, the purpose of the RICO Act was to "eliminate the infiltration of organized crime and racketeering into legitimate organizations operating in interstate commerce." Section 1961(10) of Title 18 grants authority to the Attorney General to designate any department or agency to conduct investigations authorized by the RICO Act.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been prosecuted under the RICO Act, The Law Offices of Gregory Robey are committed to providing you with all available legal options. Regardless of the crime, we believe that you have legal rights. Contact one of our Cleveland Ohio criminal attorneys today by calling 888-228-5545 or by filling out our online form. All information about your case is kept strictly confidential.

Additional RICO Resources

• RICO Act
• EarthLink Wins $24 Million in Racketeering Case
• US Dept. of Justice, RICO Act Statutes