Organized Crime In Rhode Island

Organized Crime is defined by law enforcement agencies as any continuous, conspiratorial enterprise that engages in illegal activities as a means of generating profits, often referred to as "Black Money". While the term "organized crime" is often applied to organizations such as the Italian Mafia, individuals do not need to be members of any crime syndicate in order to be arrested and prosecuted for affiliation with such activity.

While Rhode Island is not considered to be a Mecca for organized crime, it is still present and operating on various levels throughout the state. Some of the crimes considered to be typical and integral parts of organized crime in Rhode Island include:

1. Gambling Rings

Many forms of gambling are illegal in most states, however Rhode Island does permit lotteries, Race Tracks and casinos that must conduct themselves in accordance with state regulations. Illegal forms of gambling are still very common and thrive while hidden from public view. While there have been several statutes which have been passed in order to deter this problem, it has not eliminated it.

2. Prostitution Rings

Although legal in the state of Rhode island between 1980 and 2009, Prostitution has been outlawed once again, and has been an age-old issue in virtually every part of the world. Prostitution has been one of the most lucrative enterprises in nearly all forms of organized crime for as long as it has existed. Even street prostitution has a well-defined structure and anyone charged, or found to have been involved with the operation of that structure on any level may be considered to be a participant in organized crime.

3. Drug-Dealing

Another crime that has saturated virtually every country in which most recreational substances have been prohibited, drug dealing involves a massive, and intricately run system of checks and balances which are without question; considered organized crime. Like most other states, Rhode Island prosecutors apply every possible means at their disposal to punish offenders to the maximum extent of the law.

4. Loan-Sharking

Loan sharking is another timeless crime that takes place in virtually every state. Loan sharking involves the dispensing of loans to individuals who are unable to obtain a loan or credit legally, and agree to accept a sum of money with often unreasonable interest rates in addition to unreasonable modes of collection when payments are late or can not be paid in full. Loan-sharking is a business, and includes a pyramid shaped hierarchy that employs violence, thuggery, bribery, threats and even murder in order to maintain its operation.

5. Consequences

Many of these crimes are subcategories of racketeering and due to their affiliation with organized crime will result in lofty prison sentences and severe fines, in addition to the forfeiture of any profits made by the illegal activity for which an individual is being prosecuted. Contact Criminal Defense Attorney John L. Calcagni now at (401) 351-5100 for a free consultation or more information.