Racketeering conspiracy refers to an agreement between two or more individuals to engage in a pattern of illegal activities associated with a criminal organization. It is most often prosecuted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), a federal law enacted in 1970. RICO was originally designed to combat organized crime but has since been applied to a wide range of criminal enterprises.

In a racketeering conspiracy, the individuals involved do not necessarily need to personally commit the crimes; rather, they must agree to participate in the affairs of the criminal enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity. This can include acts such as:

• Fraud
• Money laundering
• Bribery
• Kidnapping
• Murder
• Sex trafficking
• Extortion
• Drug trafficking

To prove a racketeering conspiracy, prosecutors need to show that the defendant agreed to the overarching illegal scheme and that the criminal enterprise engaged in at least two related criminal acts (called “predicate acts”) over a period of time. Racketeering conspiracy charges are serious because they allow the government to target not just individuals but entire criminal enterprises.

Penalties for a racketeering conspiracy conviction under RICO can include up to 20 years in federal prison per count, substantial fines, and the forfeiture of assets gained from the illegal activity.

The flexibility of RICO makes it a powerful tool for federal prosecutors, as it allows them to address a wide array of criminal activities that fall under the umbrella of organized crime.

Racketeering conspiracy, as defined under federal law through the RICO Act, allows prosecutors to target individuals involved in organized criminal activity, even if they have not directly committed the criminal acts themselves. A conviction for racketeering conspiracy carries severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison for each count, along with asset forfeiture and significant fines. Given the complex nature of these charges, individuals facing such accusations need skilled racketeering conspiracy defense attorneys to navigate the federal court system effectively.

If you or a loved one is facing federal racketeering conspiracy charges, the experienced attorneys at Burnham & Gorokhov, PLLC, based in Washington, DC, are here to provide you with strong legal defense. Our firm specializes in federal criminal defense, and we are committed to protecting your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist in defending your case.