The purpose of this website is to serve as a resource for attorneys, clients, the media, and any member of the public with an interest in the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1961-1968.  When it was passed in 1970, Congress’ goal was to eliminate the ill-affects of organized crime on the nation’s economy.  Today, although seldom used against the Mafia, RICO is a common claim in federal courts, usually asserted by the purported victims of white collar crimes, such as mail and wire fraud.

The most common defendant to a civil RICO claim is not the stereotypical godfather figure, but is instead the CEO of a corporation, the controlling shareholder of a closed-corporation, the trustee of an estate or trust, or the leader of a political protest group.  Even the Catholic Church has been named as a RICO defendant.

The purpose of this website is to simplify this very complicated area of the law and to articulate and make more predictable the legal standards that govern such claims.

For a general overview of RICO, visit our Nutshell section.  Decisions of United States Supreme Court or the Circuit Courts of Appeal cited in the Nutshell are also linked to the full-text opinions.

If you would like to retain Mr. Grell or discuss RICO issues with him, please first visit the section About Mr. Grell.  You should always feel free to post a comment.

RECENT RESULTS

RICO claims survive demurrer in the California Superior Court for Orange County (see Motion Nos. 11, 12 and 13).  Click here to read the court’s order.  Mr. Grell is co-counsel for plaintiffs.  Plaintiff’s lead counsel is the Daily Law Group and the Meyer Law Organization.

Click here to read about our recent victory in the Eastern District of New York.  Mr. Grell is a consultant to plaintiff’s counsel.