Florida Racketeering / RICO Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 21, 2018
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Federal and state racketeering laws make it a crime for a criminal organization or enterprise to receive income through such organization or enterprise's "pattern of racketeering activity" or collection of unlawful debts. Like the federal Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act, which prohibits an array of activities relating to any such enterprise engaged in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, the Florida RICO Act also criminalizes a wide swath of "racketeering activity."
The term racketeering in the Florida statute means to commit, to attempt to commit, to conspire to commit, or to solicit, coerce, or intimidate another person to commit (a) "any crime that is chargeable by petition, indictment, or information" under specified sections of the Florida Statutes, or (b) any conduct defined as "racketeering activity" in the federal RICO Act.
Florida Racketeering / RICO Laws at a Glance
Statute | Florida Statutes Title XLVI. § 895.03 |
Florida Racketeering Law: Offenses | The Florida RICO Act specifically makes it unlawful for any person:
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"Pattern of Racketeering" Defined | Engaging in at least two incidents of racketeering conduct that have the same or similar intents, results, accomplices, victims, or methods of commission or that otherwise are interrelated by distinguishing characteristics and are not isolated incidents, where at least one such incident occurred after October 1, 1977, the effective date of the statute, and the last of such incidents occurred within five years after a prior incident of racketeering conduct. |
Crime Classification, Sentences, and Penalties |
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Defenses |
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Note: State laws are constantly changing -- please contact a Florida criminal defense attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Florida Racketeering Laws: Related Resources
- Florida Extortion Laws
- Florida Money Laundering Laws
- Florida Pyramid and Ponzi Scheme Laws
- If You are Arrested in Florida
- Florida Criminal Statute of Limitations
Charged Under Florida Racketeering / RICO Laws? Contact an Attorney
Racketeering / RICO charges are very serious and typically indicate underlying crimes as well. If convicted, you may face up to 30 years in prison, so having a strong defense is crucial to your interests. If you've been charged with racketeering, or a related crime, it's in your best interest to contact a criminal defense attorney in Florida to learn more about the charges you're facing and your options moving forward.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
- Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
- A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Florida attorneys offer free consultations.
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