Columbus and Delaware, Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced Columbus and Delaware, Ohio criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your breaking and entering case.

What is Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity?

Many people have heard of “RICO,” which stands for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. This is a federal law that established significant penalties for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization.

In Ohio, state-level racketeering-related offenses and organized crime activities are covered under “engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.” Pursuant to R.C. 2923.32:

• No person, employed by, or associated with, any enterprise shall conduct or participate in, directly or indirectly, the affairs of the enterprise through a pattern of corrupt activity of an unlawful debt.
• No person, through a pattern of corrupt activity or the collection of an unlawful debt, shall acquire or maintain, directly or indirectly, any interest in, or control of, any enterprise or real property.
• No person, who knowingly has received any proceeds derived, directly or indirectly, from a pattern of corrupt activity or the collection of any unlawful debt, shall use or invest, directly or indirectly, any part of those proceeds, or any proceeds derived from the use or investment of any of those proceeds, in the acquisition of any title to, or any right, interest or equity in, real property or in the establishment or operation of any enterprise.

So, what does all of that actually mean? Engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity is typically paired with offenses such as theft, receiving stolen property, fraud and murder. For example, the allegation could be that a group of individuals conspired to commit theft as part of an ongoing criminal conspiracy.

Penalties for Corrupt Activity in Ohio

Engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity in Ohio is a second degree felony, which carries 2 – 8 years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine. However, in lieu of the $15,000 fine, the court may impose a fine not exceeding the greater of three times the gross value gained or three times the gross loss caused.

If engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity is paired with a felony of the 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree, aggravated murder or murder, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity is a first degree felony, which carries 3 – 11 years in prison and up to a $20,000 fine.

For example, if a person is charged with third degree felony telecommunications fraud and fifth degree felony receiving stolen property, that person can be charged with first degree felony engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity because it is paired with the third degree felony.

Secondary Consequences for a Corrupt Activity Conviction

In addition to a prison term and substantial fine, a corrupt activity conviction can have significant secondary consequences. These include having a permanent criminal record, inability to gain employment or housing, and the loss of certain constitutional rights, such as the right to vote and own a firearm.

Criminal Defense Attorney – Columbus and Delaware, Ohio

If you have been charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, it is crucial that you hire a criminal defense attorney immediately. Contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced Columbus and Delaware, Ohio criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson will examine your case and assist you in putting forth the strongest defense possible. Call Johnson Legal, LLC at (614) 987-0192 or send an email to discuss your breaking and entering case.