Organized Crime In Rhode Island

Organized Crime

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you have been accused of any of these crimes and face the prospect of prosecution, contact Criminal Defense Attorney John E. MacDonald at (401) 421-1440 now for more information and a free consultation.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have questions about this posting or are interested in Criminal Defense, Divorce, or Immigration Law in RI contact Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer John E. MacDonald at 401-421-1440.

To learn more about The Law Office of John MacDonald, please visit his website at AggressiveLegalServices.com.

White Collar Crimes and Bank Fraud

Rhode Island Bank Fraud

No one gets through life without sometimes making mistakes and bad decisions. In a tough economy everyone is trying to find ways to get ahead, and sometimes good people give in to bad ideas.

For some people, committing a crime for financial gain is one of those mistakes; possibly as a means to avoid foreclosure on a home, or simply the inability to resist temptation when an opportunity arises.

Unlike common crimes such as assault, petty theft, or exceeding the speed limit, a white collar crime tends to include financially motivated, non-violent crimes. Bank Fraud is a very serious crime on a federal level, and requires a professional defense representation when being prosecuted in court.

Bank Fraud is a crime that can be committed via a number of ways, but is generally defined as any unlawful action in which an individual provides false information to a bank. This can occur when applying for a home loan, a credit card, providing false or non-existent assets, fabricating an identity, or representing stolen credentials in the form of identity theft.

Some common forms of bank theft include:

• ATM fraud
• Making false statements
• Providing a false identity
• Writing bogus checks
• Bribery
• Embezzlement

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have questions about this posting or are interested in Criminal Defense, Divorce, or Immigration Law in RI contact Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer John E. MacDonald at 401-421-1440.

To learn more about The Law Office of John MacDonald, please visit his website at AggressiveLegalServices.com.

If you are charged with theft in Rhode Island

Theft in Rhode Island

Theft is a crime that can occur in different ways, however, it is most commonly defined as deceitfully or forcefully claiming ownership over property that you know does not legally belong to you.

Common stolen property includes items like currency, vehicles, art, jewelry, music, and pharmaceutical drugs.

Being arrested for theft is a serious crime and can include prison time and fines based upon the severity of the theft.

Once you are reported to the authorities as having been involved in a theft, a warrant for your arrest will be issued and you will be picked up by the authorities. This may include the police showing up at your home, and even your workplace.

It is important for anyone charged with theft to familiarize themselves with the laws in their state, and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.


Sentences for theft in the State of Rhode Island depends upon the value of the amount stolen and whether or not the crime included violence toward another person. In some cases, even the location of the theft matters and will play a direct role in your charges. For example, if you commit theft on school property, a place of worship, or a government facility, it may increase a misdemeanor charge to a felony.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have questions about this posting or are interested in Criminal Defense, Divorce, or Immigration Law in RI contact Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer John E. MacDonald at 401-421-1440.

To learn more about The Law Office of John MacDonald, please visit his website at AggressiveLegalServices.com.