The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act is a federal law that provides for extended criminal penalties and a civil cause of action for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization. Understanding the statutory consequences stemming from a violation is crucial. While the maximum penalties under RICO are severe, the specific sentence imposed can vary significantly. Factors influencing the final sentence include the defendants role in the criminal enterprise, the severity of the underlying predicate acts, and the defendant’s criminal history.
RICO was initially designed to combat organized crime, particularly the Mafia. Its application has broadened over time to include a wide range of illegal activities, from white-collar crime to gang violence. The potential penalties act as a deterrent, aiming to dismantle criminal organizations and prevent future illicit activities. The severe consequences reflect the laws intent to punish those involved in complex and ongoing criminal enterprises more harshly than those involved in isolated incidents.
