Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act RICO

The RICO statute is a powerful federal law used to charge individuals involved in a common criminal enterprise with a pattern of racketeering. It targets those who hire others for illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, and allows for the forfeiture of assets linked to the crime. The statute applies to both state and federal felony activities, leveraging interstate commerce powers to reach all involved parties.

What is the primary purpose of the RICO statute?

• To provide tax benefits to businesses

• To charge individuals involved in a pattern of racketeering

• To regulate interstate commerce

• To enforce environmental laws

Who can be charged under the RICO statute?

• Anyone involved in the enterprise, including those hiring others for criminal activities

• Only the leaders of a criminal enterprise

• Only those directly committing the crime

• Only individuals with prior criminal records

What happens to assets used in furtherance of a crime under the RICO statute?

• They are ignored by law enforcement

• They are subject to forfeiture

• They are returned to the owner

• They are donated to charity

How does the RICO statute handle money from criminal activities?

• It allows the money to be invested in legal businesses

• It ignores the money if it is less than a certain amount

• It traces and forfeits the money

• It taxes the money at a higher rate

What allows federal powers to charge individuals across state lines under the RICO statute?

• Interstate commerce powers

• International treaties

• State laws

• Local police authority