Racketeering Law in Oklahoma
What Is Racketeering?
When we hear the word, racketeering, we might consider Al Capone’s notorious crew of organized criminals in Chicago or the fictional characters in mobster movies. That image is not too far off from the legal interpretation. The term originated in the 1920s, and it’s used to describe the act of engaging in illegal activities to make a profit.
The History of Racketeering Law
Historically, it was challenging for courts to break up the racketeering groups that sprung up in the 30’s and 40’s following Prohibition. The tricky part of prosecuting those involved in organized crime was finding evidence to arrest the leaders or prove that they were involved in the criminal activities
In 1970, the United States passed RICO, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. This bill was an effort to seal loopholes that may have let leaders of crime organizations avoid prosecution. RICO has been very influential in dismantling criminal empires, mainly by providing evidence of blackmail, extortion, and bribery. It’s the standard for racketeering cases today.
Racketeering Law in Oklahoma
Most people probably don’t think of Oklahoma as a hotbed for organized crime. Yet Oklahoma has its own RICO-inspired anti-racketeering law. Why does Oklahoma need a state version of RICO? One answer might be to set the groundwork to define illegal activity happening within state lines, whereas the federal law is concerned with interstate racketeering cases.
Glen V. State
An interesting example of state vs. federal racketeering law emerges in the case of Glenn v. State in 2001. In this case, two people were convicted of stealing cows in Oklahoma and selling them. Under RICO law, they were found guilty. But then the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals reversed the verdict with the defense that the activity of the two criminals was not considered serious enough to invoke RICO law.
What Does This Mean For Racketeering Cases In Oklahoma?
If you have been charged with a RICO violation at either the federal or state level, the team at Edge Law Firm can help. The Glen v. State case could prove that there is gray area thanks to racketeering law in Oklahoma. We know how to defend you and are ready to get started today.
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