<P> Beginning in 1972, 33 states adopted state RICO laws to be able to prosecute similar conduct . </P> <P> Under RICO, a person who has committed "at least two acts of racketeering activity" drawn from a list of 35 crimes--27 federal crimes and 8 state crimes--within a 10 - year period can be charged with racketeering if such acts are related in one of four specified ways to an "enterprise". Those found guilty of racketeering can be fined up to $25,000 and sentenced to 20 years in prison per racketeering count . In addition, the racketeer must forfeit all ill - gotten gains and interest in any business gained through a pattern of "racketeering activity ." </P> <P> When the U.S. Attorney decides to indict someone under RICO, they have the option of seeking a pre-trial restraining order or injunction to temporarily seize a defendant's assets and prevent the transfer of potentially forfeitable property, as well as require the defendant to put up a performance bond . This provision was placed in the law because the owners of Mafia - related shell corporations often absconded with the assets . An injunction and / or performance bond ensures that there is something to seize in the event of a guilty verdict . </P> <P> In many cases, the threat of a RICO indictment can force defendants to plead guilty to lesser charges, in part because the seizure of assets would make it difficult to pay a defense attorney . Despite its harsh provisions, a RICO - related charge is considered easy to prove in court since it focuses on patterns of behavior as opposed to criminal acts . </P>

Rico provides for criminal penalties but contains no provision for civil penalties