Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed October 19, 2018
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A "racket" is an organized criminal act, which can involve anything from money laundering to drug trafficking. When a person conducts a racket, it's called "racketeering." Racketeering occurs either by, or on behalf of, a criminal organization or enterprise. In addition to the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), many states - including Colorado - have enacted laws addressing racketeering.
To better understand racketeering laws in Colorado, it's important to know the terms actually used in the statutes. Here are some key terms related to racketeering:
Racketeering activities can include a variety of crimes, including offenses against the person, computer crimes, offenses involving governmental operations, to name a few. For details about which specific crimes are considered racketeering activities, please see Section 18-17-103.
Statutory language is rarely clear and straightforward, which is why it's helpful to read an overview of the law in addition to reading its actual text. The following chart contains such an overview for racketeering laws in Colorado as well as links to applicable statutes.
| Statute(s) | Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 18. Article 17, Section 18-17-101, et seq. (Colorado Organized Crime Control Act) |
| Prohibited Activities | The following activities are prohibited by Colorado racketeering laws:
It's also unlawful for a person to conspire to engage in any of the activities listed above. |
| Charges | Violation of Colorado racketeering laws is a class 2 felony. |
| Penalties | The criminal penalties for racketeering include:
*Please see Section 18-17-105 for other alternative fines. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
If you'd like to learn more information related to this topic, you can visit the links listed below.
If you've been charged with racketeering or any other crime in Colorado, it's in your best interest to consult with a local criminal defense attorney to discuss your case and learn about your options moving forward.
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