Criminal Defense Lawyers

Navigating Florida’s Sentencing Guidelines for Organized Crime Cases

If you or a loved one has been charged with an organized crime offense in Florida, you‘re probably feeling overwhelmed and scared about what comes next. The potential penalties for these types of crimes can be severe, with lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines on the table. But don’t panic – we‘re here to break down exactly how Florida’s sentencing guidelines work in organized crime cases so you know what to expect.First off, let’s define what exactly constitutes “organized crime” under Florida law. Statute 895.02 lays out the key elements:

• A pattern of racketeering activity (meaning at least two incidents of criminal conduct from a specified list of crimes)
• Committed by an “enterprise” (which can be an individual, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity)
• With the goal of financial gain through illegal means

Some common examples of organized crime offenses in Florida include:

• Drug trafficking
• Gambling and bookmaking
• Prostitution rings
• Extortion and loan sharking
• Money laundering
• Fraud schemes
• Theft and fencing of stolen goods

So if prosecutors believe they have evidence that you engaged in a pattern of these types of criminal activities as part of an organized enterprise, you could be facing racketeering charges under the Florida RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization) Act. And the potential sentences for a RICO conviction are no joke.Florida uses a points-based system called the Criminal Punishment Code to calculate sentencing guidelines for felony offenses, including organized crime. Here’s a quick overview of how it works:

1. Each felony offense is assigned a numeric offense level from 1-10, with 10 being the most serious. The number of points assessed depends on the level:

• Level 10 offenses score 116 points
• Level 9 = 92 points
• Level 8 = 74 points
• Level 7 = 56 points
• Level 6 = 36 points
• Level 5 = 28 points
• Level 4 = 22 points
• Level 3 = 16 points
• Level 2 = 10 points
• Level 1 = 4 points

2. If you’re convicted of multiple offenses, the primary offense (the one with the highest level) is scored fully, while additional offenses are scored at a fraction of their normal point value. For example, a level 8 primary offense scores 74 points, but that same level 8 crime as an additional offense only scores 18.5 points.
3. The points for the primary offense, additional offenses, prior record, victim injury, legal status violations, and other factors are all added up to calculate the total score.
4. If the total score is 44 points or less, the court has discretion to impose a non-prison sentence like probation or community control. But if the score exceeds 44 points, there is a presumption of a prison sentence.
5. The minimum sentence length is determined by plugging the total score into a formula: (total points – 28) x .75 = the lowest permissible sentence in months. So for example, if the score is 100 points, the calculation would be:

(100 – 28) x .75 = 54 months, or 4.5 years in prison

6. The court can go below that minimum sentence if it finds a valid legal reason, known as a “downward departure.” But those departures are limited to specific mitigating circumstances outlined in the statutes.
7. As for the maximum sentence, that’s determined by the degree of the felony:

• Capital felony = life in prison or death penalty
• Life felony = life in prison or 40 year maximum
• 1st degree felony = up to 30 years
• 2nd degree = up to 15 years
• 3rd degree = up to 5 years

So let‘s look at an example of how this could play out in an organized crime case. Say John Doe is convicted of racketeering, which is a first-degree felony with a level 8 offense severity ranking. As his primary offense, that scores 74 points.But prosecutors also prove that as part of the racketeering enterprise, John committed two 2nd degree felonies (level 6 offenses at 14.4 points each as additional offenses) and had a prior record including one 3rd degree felony (level 3 at 2.4 points).So John‘s score would be:74 (primary) + 28.8 (2 additional @ 14.4 each) + 2.4 (prior record) = 105.2 total pointsPlugging that into the formula, the lowest permissible prison sentence would be:(105.2 – 28) x .75 = 58 months, or just under 5 yearsAnd since racketeering is a 1st degree felony, the maximum sentence would be 30 years in prison. So John would be looking at a sentence somewhere between 5 and 30 years, based on the specific facts of his case and whether the judge finds grounds for a downward departure.

Keep in mind that in some organized crime cases, prosecutors can pursue sentence enhancements that carry stiff mandatory minimum prison terms, regardless of the guidelines score. For example:

• Using a gun during a racketeering offense triggers a 10-year mandatory minimum, even for a first offense. A second offense bumps it up to a 20-year minimum.
• Trafficking in large quantities of drugs comes with mandatory minimums ranging from 3 years to life in prison, depending on the substance and amount.
• Career criminals classified as “habitual felony offenders” or “violent career criminals” face enhanced mandatory sentences for certain repeat offenses.

The bottom line is that organized crime cases are extremely complex, and the specific sentence you‘re facing depends heavily on the unique facts of your case. But in general, you can expect Florida prosecutors to pursue harsh penalties for these offenses, given the sophisticated and ongoing nature of the criminal activity alleged.

So what should you do if you‘re charged with an organized crime offense in Florida? The most important step is to seek out an experienced criminal defense attorney who has handled these types of cases before. Look for a lawyer with a track record of success in defending clients against racketeering and other organized crime charges.Your attorney will carefully review all the evidence, looking for holes in the prosecution‘s case or violations of your constitutional rights. They‘ll also identify any mitigating factors that could justify a downward departure from the sentencing guidelines.

In some cases, it may be in your best interest to negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors, especially if the evidence against you is strong. An skilled lawyer will work to get you the most favorable terms possible, which could include a reduced charge or sentence in exchange for your cooperation.But if you decide to fight the charges at trial, you’ll need an aggressive defense team in your corner. Organized crime cases often involve complex legal issues and extensive evidence, so it’s crucial to have an attorney who knows how to navigate those challenges and persuasively present your case to a jury.At our law firm, we have decades of experience defending clients against even the most serious organized crime charges. We understand what’s at stake, and we’ll use every tool at our disposal to protect your rights and freedom.