Criminals often don't understand when they have crossed the line into lawbreaking, let alone the difference between state charges and federal--especially true of teenagers under the age of 18.
Lack of knowledge does not stop crime but once arrests have been made and charges issued, the family usually becomes involved. Some criminals go through the process alone and in the dark, clinging only to an overwhelmed public defender.
Worried parents and grandparents mortgage homes and property to keep a steady funding source for lawyers--not just once but for the endurance of the process, which can be years, especially if an appeals process is involved--such as in the case of capital punishment or life imprisonment. Sometimes, more than one person has committed one crime or more. That is when RICO laws come into effect. It extends punishment and allows for civil action when a group of people have been accused and convicted of criminal enterprise crimes.
Understanding the RICO Act
The Cornell Law School Web site houses a copy of the United States Code--key in federal prosecutions.Title 18, Chapter 96 of the federal code-- Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, lists the offences one could be federally prosecuted under. It is long and varied but because legislators modify the law when new ones are passed, it changes and is revised as needed.
Although these laws were intended to stop organized crime, it extends to prosecute so-called white collar crimes, drug and gang activity. It applies to anyone who is involved with an organization that is proven in a court of law, to be committing crimes as a livelihood or any group of people who conspire or plan to violate the law.
According to the web site The Laborers.net, "...federal RICO statute became effective in 1970, states were initially slow to enact similar racketeering laws because the impact and effectiveness of the federal law was still unclear. The first state to enact a RICO statute patterned after the federal statute was Hawaii, whose law became effective in 1972. Hawaii was followed by Pennsylvania in 1973, Florida in 1977, Arizona and Puerto Rico in 1978, and Rhode Island in 1979."
The site went on to say that the largest and most rapid growth of state RICO statutes occurred during the 1980s, when 23 states enacted RICO statutes generally patterned after the federal version. States wanted to empower local and state authorities with the tools to address enterprise criminality in their communities. "It stands to reason that local authorities are much more knowledgeable than their federal counterparts when it comes to localized crime," the site said.
Witness Testimony Can Prove Case
People may not be aware of premeditated activities acted or planned out in a group. Whether they are involved directly or indirectly in criminal enterprise, a conviction can bring civil law suits for damages that have occurred or longer prison sentences. Some may figure that it is hard to prove they are involved at all. Witness testimony is allowed and helps prove the prosecution's case.
Tips to Help Teens Avoid Crime
- Constantly talk with teens about alcohol, drugs, violence, gangs, and other aspects of crime
- Actively listen to your teen because it will help you understand the peer pressures and influences
- Find time to speak with teens every day
- Ask teens open-ended questions to encourage conversation
- Let teens know about behavior expectations
- Make sure that you are a positive role model
- Learn about pertinent issues and warning signs of harmful behaviors
- Share concerns with your teens and ask questions about their lives
Helping Teens Avoid Crime
The National Crime Prevention Council offers parents tips on how to help their teenagers stay away from crime. They said simple open ended conversations and setting parameters to stop the behaviors from occurring, and possibly becoming incarcerated. Teens may become involved in delinquent behavior because they think that doing so will enable them to fit in and belong, have fun and feel good, satisfy curiosity, take risks, imitate older people and express independence. Teens also become involved in negative behavior patterns due to a lack of effective discipline.
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