Corrupt Organizations

According to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, a “corrupt organization” is any formal or informal group that engages in a pattern of racketeering activity or collection of an unlawful debt. This means that legitimate businesses and organizations, sich as a pizzeria, a political party, or even your local police department, can become corrupt organizations. Even your place of work could be a corrupt organization. You may not know it, but that won’t stop you from facing multiple corrupt organization charges.

Corrupt organizations are targeted by lawmakers for good reason, but with how secretive they are, there are many people who can be charged with working for one when they didn’t even know. If you are facing a corrupt organization charge, you need experienced attorneys to defend you. Contact the criminal defense attorneys at Lermitte & Lubin, LLC immediately.

Types of Corrupt Organization Charges

There are several types of corrupt organization charges. These are specific crimes that someone commits to protect or further the organization, beyond just being a part of it, or adding to its profits.

• Bribery: This is one of the most common types of corruption charges. It involves offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value as a means to influence the actions of an individual or organization. These individuals or organizations being influenced are often those with political power or influence.
• Conspiracy to commit racketeering: This involves agreeing with other people to participate in a criminal enterprise.
• Criminal forfeiture: This is the confiscation – theft or illegal purchase – of assets acquired through illegal activities.
• Embezzlement: This is when someone who was entrusted with certain assets misappropriates them for their own use. It’s a form of financial fraud, and can be done without being a part of a corrupt organization. Not all examples of embezzlement include a corrupt organization.
• Money laundering: This is a process by which criminals disguise the original ownership and control of the profit they gain from criminal activity as legitimate sources of income.
• Extortion: Extortion is obtaining benefits through coercion, which can often take the form of blackmail or the threat of violence. In most jurisdictions, extortion is criminalized and punished severely.
• Racketeering: Racketeering involves operating an illegal business for personal profit.

Defenses Against a Corrupt Organization Charge

There are several defenses that our corrupt organization attorneys can use as a foundation for your defense. These include:

• Arguing lack of evidence
• Lack of intent or knowledge about the organization’s illegal activities
• Entrapment by law enforcement

Additionally, we may be able to challenge the validity of any wiretaps or other forms of surveillance used in gathering evidence against you. If you are facing corrupt organization charges, it is crucial to seek legal representation.