Racketeering / RICO

Racketeering is often associated with organized crime, where the accused is engaged in at least two criminal acts related to racketeering within a specified period of time. Those accused of racketeering are often investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and prosecutors initially attempted to dismantle high profile gangs or alleged mafia members with racketeering charges, but the charges have become more common among individuals and groups. What was originally intended for mob activity has now become common place for the United States government to charge white collar crimes under the RICO statute.

Examples of types of criminal acts related to racketeering include the attempt to commit, the commission of, or the conspiracy to commit any of the following:

• Murder;
• Kidnapping;
• Sexual Assault;
• Statutory sexual seduction;
• Robbery;
• Manslaughter, except vehicular manslaughter as described in NRS 484B.657;
• Battery, which is punished as a felony;
• Arson;
• Taking property from another under circumstances not amounting to robbery;
• Extortion;
• Extortionate collection of debt in violation of NRS 205.322;
• Forgery;
• Any violation of NRS 199.280 which is punished as a felony;
• Burglary;
• Grand larceny;
• Bribery or asking for or receiving a bribe in violation of chapter 197 or 199 of NRS which is punished as a felony;
• Battery with intent to commit a crime in violation of NRS 200.400;
• Assault with a deadly weapon;
• Any violation of NRS 453.232, 453.316 to 453.3395, inclusive, or 453.375 to 453.401, inclusive;
• Receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle;
• Any violation of NRS 202.260, 202.275 or 202.350 which is punished as a felony;
• Any violation of subsection 2 or 3 of NRS 463.360 or chapter 465 of NRS;
• Receiving, possessing or withholding stolen goods valued at $250 or more;
• Embezzlement of money or property valued at $250 or more;
• Obtaining possession of money or property valued at $250 or more, or obtaining a signature by means of false pretenses;
• Perjury or subornation of perjury;
• Offering false evidence;
• Any violation of NRS 201.300 or 201.360;
• Any violation of NRS 90.570, 91.230 or 686A.290, or insurance fraud pursuant to NRS 686A.291;
• Any violation of NRS 205.506, 205.920 or 205.930;
• Any violation of NRS 202.445 or 202.446; or
• Any violation of NRS 205.377.

Racketeering Information Center

• Federal Definition of Racketeering, or “RICO”
• Nevada’s Racketeering Law
• Punishments for Racketeering in Las Vegas, Nevada
• Las Vegas Racketeering Resources

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Federal Racketeering Law, or “RICO”

RICO, or Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, is a federal law enacted to punish an individual or group who commits two criminal acts associated with racketeering activity and involving interstate commerce within a ten year period as defined under title 18 of the United States Code §§ 1961-1968. Federal RICO charges result from a violation of the federal statutes and are prosecuted in Nevada district court.

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Racketeering under Nevada Law

Nevada’s racketeering statutes are modeled after the federal RICO statute, and is often called “the Nevada RICO Act.” Nevada defines racketeering as engaging in at least two crimes “related to racketeering” that are related by some distinguishing characteristic and are not isolated incidents. One of the incidents, as defined in the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) under sections 207.350 through 207.520, must have occurred after July 1, 1983, and the last of subsequent incidents occurred within five years of prior crimes relating to racketeering. Violations of the Nevada RICO Act are prosecuted in Nevada state court.

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Racketeering Penalties under Nevada’s Law

Nevada’s RICO permits criminal punishment against those who violate the Act, by imprisonment in Nevada's state prison for not less than 5 years ormore than 20 years and a fine that does not exceed $25,000. The Act also permits private civil actions for treble damages against those who violate the Act for injuries suffered resulting from the violation.

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Resources

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – The ATF is dedicated to protecting against violent crimes.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – The FBI’s page explaining organized crime.

The Securities and Exchange Commission – The SEC is a federal regulatory agency that protects investors in the securities industry.

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The Law Office of Joel M. Mann | Las Vegas RICO Defense Attorney

If you are charged with a racketeering offense in Las Vegas, the best choice you can make is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who will actively fight for your rights. The consequences of a racketeering conviction can be severe and can extend into other areas of your life, including your career, family and personal relationships. Protect yourself by hiring a lawyer committed to aggressively defending your case. Call 702-474-6266 for a free consultation with attorney Joel Mann to discuss the defenses best suited to the particular facts and circumstances of your criminal charge.