Engaging in organized criminal activity sounds a lot more complicated that it really is. It evokes images of the mafia, or the mob, and the crimes they were accused of committing. In reality, if you commit a burglary with 1 or more other people, you can be charged with engaging in organized criminal activity.
The reason why prosecutors seek to charge this type of offense instead of just charging three defendants with burglary is because it adds a one-level enhancement in punishment. So instead of burglary of a habitation being a 2nd degree felony, it would now be a 1st degree felony punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison.
It is a punishment enhancement tool for prosecutors statewide to seek more prison time for anyone charged as such. Most commonly, it is used to prosecute gang-related crimes, and gang members, but it has been known to be filed in all sorts of applicable cases.
If you are facing an engaging in organized criminal activity case, be sure to call 1-713-972-1100 to speak with an engaging in organized crime defense attorney today for a free consultation. Remember, every day you wait is another day they have built a stronger case on you.
Fields Marked With An “*” Are Required