United States Department of Justice

Civil RICO: A Manual for Federal Attorneys United States Department of Justice

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (commonly referred to as RICO Act or RICO) is a United States federal law that provides for extended criminal penalties and a civil cause of action for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization. RICO was enacted by section 901(a) of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970. RICO is codified as Chapter 96 of Title 18 of the United States Code, 18 U. S. C. § 1961-1968. While it's intended use was to prosecute the Mafia as well as others who were actively engaged in organized crime, its application has been more widespread. Under RICO, a person who is a member of an enterprise that has committed any two of 35 crimes-27 federal crimes and 8 state crimes-within a 10-year period can be charged with racketeering. Those found guilty of racketeering can be fined up to $25,000 and sentenced to 20 years in prison per racketeering count.