{"id":375057,"date":"2018-03-09T16:51:27","date_gmt":"2018-03-09T21:51:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-racketeering-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-03-09T16:51:27","modified_gmt":"2018-03-09T21:51:27","slug":"new-jersey-racketeering-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-racketeering-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"New Jersey Racketeering Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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New Jersey 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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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\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

A suspected crime boss with the charming nickname "Knuckles" spends his days sitting on the stoop of his modest Jersey City home, reading the paper and meeting with visitors every so often. Meanwhile, a statewide network of laundromats is being investigated for alleged ties to organized crime. Authorities believe the syndicate is laundering more than just clothes at its facilities, but can’t physically place Knuckles at the scene of these ongoing crimes. The investigation also turns up a suspicious murder in the back of one of these laundromats.<\/p>\n

Is it all just a coincidence? Probably not. Telephone records and testimony from witnesses suggest Knuckles is in fact the head of an elaborate crime operation — or racket<\/a> — even though he doesn’t personally touch the "dirty" money and hasn’t actually put his knuckles to use in a long time.<\/p>\n

Federal and state racketeering laws are designed to help law enforcement connect the dots and go after the otherwise untouchable principals of rackets, like Knuckles. Below are details about New Jersey’s racketeering law.<\/p>\n

New Jersey Racketeering Laws: The Basics<\/h2>\n\n

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

New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice 2C \u00a7 41-1<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Statutory Definition of the Offense<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

It shall be unlawful for any person who has received any income derived from a pattern of racketeering activity<\/b> to use or invest any part of the income in acquisition of any interest in, or the establishment or operation of any enterprise which is engaged in (or the activities of which affect) trade or commerce<\/b>.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Statutory Definition: "Racketeering Activity" and "Pattern of Racketeering Activity"<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\u201cRacketeering activity<\/b>\u201d means any of the following crimes which are crimes under the laws of New Jersey or are equivalent crimes under the laws of any other jurisdiction:<\/p>\n

Crime Classifications and Penalties<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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  • Crime in the First Degree (10-20 yrs. in prison, fine of up to $200,000):<\/b><\/i> Crime committed in connection with a pattern of racketeering activity which involves a crime of violence<\/b>, a crime of the first degree<\/b>, or the use of firearms<\/b>.<\/li>\n
  • Crime in the Second Degree (5-10 yrs. in prison, fine of up to $150,000):<\/i><\/b> All other racketeering violations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

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

Individuals found guilty of racketeering must forfeit<\/b> (to the prosecuting entity) the following:<\/p>\n