More than 1.4 million violent crimes are reported in the United States each year. Did you also know that there were approximately 12,658 murders, 9,983,568 crimes involving property, and roughly 447,403 robberies across the United States in 2006 alone? Because racketeering typically involves intimidation through violent acts, it can be lumped in with America’s 1.4 million violent crimes for 2006. Other aspects or racketeering, such as bribery and fraud, can also make it a white-collar crime.

So what exactly is racketeering? Racketeering is making money from illegal activities that involve bribery, fraud, and intimidation. Racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering are first degree felonies, punishable by a maximum of 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

If you have been accused of racketeering, whether you are guilty or not, you should hire a criminal lawyer or attorney to help you with your case. If you are suing a convicted racketeer for damages resulting from the crime, you will need to hire a civil lawyer or attorney. Even if the person was not convicted and you feel they should have been, and you want to sue them for damages -- you should hire a civil lawyer or attorney. Criminal lawyers and attorneys represent individuals who have been charged with crimes by arguing their cases in courts of law. A criminal lawyer or attorney will typically have a private practice concentrating on criminal law.

If you have been arrested for racketeering, you should request an attorney or contact a private criminal lawyer or attorney immediately. There are many things to look for when hiring a criminal lawyer or attorney. A good criminal attorney will be familiar with important racketeering laws of the state in which the crime took place, because many criminal law rules are hidden away in court interpretations of federal and state constitutions. Criminal lawyers and attorneys will also be familiar with local court customs and procedures that you just can’t find in a book, they will have a clear understanding of the "hidden costs" of pleading guilty, and they will have an eye for those who embellish and an ear for the facts.

If you are ready to contact a criminal lawyer or attorney to help you with your case, visit the American Bar Association. The ABA offers free access to their lawyer locator, which can help you search for a criminal lawyer or attorney in your area.

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