{"id":373140,"date":"2018-01-03T17:20:17","date_gmt":"2018-01-03T22:20:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-racketeering-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-01-17T18:40:48","modified_gmt":"2018-01-17T23:40:48","slug":"illinois-racketeering-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-racketeering-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Illinois Racketeering Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Illinois Racketeering Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Racketeering refers to criminal activities that are carried out either to further the goals of an organization, or carried out on behalf of a criminal association or enterprise. The criminal activities can include anything from murder to money laundering<\/a> to drug distribution, just to name a few. The federal government has enacted various laws to address racketeering including the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act<\/a>, or RICO. These laws allow the federal government to prosecute and punish individuals involved in organized crime.<\/p>\n

Many states, including Illinois, have also enacted racketeering laws<\/a> similar to those imposed by the federal government. As is in many other states, racketeering<\/a> is a serious offense in Illinois, and conviction under Illinois racketeering laws will result in imprisonment and an imposition of fines and\/or restitution. It’s important to note that in order to be convicted under Illinois racketeering laws, a person must intentionally and knowingly<\/a> participate in the criminal activities.<\/p>\n

Illinois Racketeering Laws Overview<\/h2>\n

Below you will find key provisions of racketeering laws in Illinois.<\/p>\n\n
Statute(s)<\/b><\/td>\n

Illinois Statutes Chapter 720 Section 5\/33-G-1<\/a>, et seq.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Definitions<\/b><\/td>\n

Predicate activity<\/i>: any act that is a Class 2 felony or higher, which includes (but is not limited to):<\/p>\n

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  • first degree murder<\/li>\n
  • kidnapping<\/li>\n
  • robbery<\/li>\n
  • promoting prostitution<\/li>\n
  • criminal street gang recruitment<\/li>\n
  • gunrunning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Note: Violations of certain provision of the Cannabis Control Act, Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act can also qualify as "predicate activity."<\/p>\n

    Pattern of predicate activity<\/i>: At least 3 occurrences of predicate activity that are related to each other, have continuity between them, and are separate acts. To be defined as a "pattern" the occurrences must take place within 3 years of the first predicate activity (excluding any period of imprisonment).<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Prohibited Activities<\/b><\/td>\n
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  • Intentionally participating in a pattern of predicate activity (directly or indirectly) or conspiring* to do so;<\/li>\n
  • Causing another to participate in a pattern of predicate activity; or<\/li>\n
  • Knowingly acquiring or maintaining (directly or indirectly) an interest in or control of any enterprise, real property, or personal property (including money) through a pattern of predicate activity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    *An overt act in furtherance of the agreement must be proven in order to convict someone of conspiracy. The overt act doesn’t need to constitute a predicate activity.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Penalties<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n