The Rackateer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly known as “RICO” or “RICO ACT” describes Georgia and Federal laws that penalize illegal acts that are a part of or advance an ongoing criminal organization or enterprise.
Under Federal Law, racketeering activity includes a pattern of criminal activity including:
- Any violation of state statutes prohibiting gambling, murder, kidnapping, extortion, arson, robbery, bribery or dealing in a controlled substance
- Any act of bribery, counterfeiting, theft, embezzlement, fraud, obstruction, gambling, money
laundering, murder-for-hire, etc., in violation of Federal law - Drug trafficking, long-term and elaborate drug networks
- Acts of terrorism
- Aiding or assisting aliens in illegally entering the country (for financial gain)
Georgia’s RICO statute includes over thirty categories of offenses under Georgia law as well as federal predicate acts. It is important to retain legal representation for these types of charges not only to avoid criminal fines, penalties, and jail time but also to thwart later civil actions related to the alleged criminal activity.
If you have a pending investigation or charges for RICO violations, call our office so that we can evaluate your case and put our talents and experience to work for you.