RICO Violations Defense
Defending against racketeering charges • Enterprise crime prosecution • The government's most powerful weapon requires experienced defense
RICO & Racketeering Defense
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) is the federal government's nuclear weapon in criminal prosecutions. Originally designed to combat organized crime, RICO is now used against businesses, political groups, and individuals. With 20-year mandatory minimums and asset forfeiture, these charges demand immediate, experienced defense.
20-Year Sentences
Each RICO count carries up to 20 years, often run consecutively
Triple Civil Damages
Civil RICO provides for treble damages and attorney fees
Asset Forfeiture
Pre-trial seizure of all assets allegedly connected to enterprise
High-Stakes RICO Defense
RICO prosecutions involve multiple defendants, complex conspiracies, and decades of potential prison time. Our experience defending enterprise crime means we understand the government's playbook and know how to dismantle their case.
Elements the Government Must Prove
Understanding RICO's complex requirements helps build your defense.
Enterprise
A legal entity or association-in-fact with continuity and structure
Pattern
At least two predicate acts within 10 years showing continuity
Racketeering
Commission of specified federal or state crimes
Connection
Relationship between defendant, enterprise, and pattern
Common RICO Predicate Acts
Financial Crimes
Mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and financial institution fraud.
Violent Crimes
Murder, kidnapping, arson, robbery, extortion, and dealing in controlled substances.
Corruption
Bribery, embezzlement from union funds, obstruction of justice, witness tampering.
Immigration Crimes
Bringing in illegal aliens, harboring illegal aliens, document fraud, and trafficking.
RICO Defense Strategies
Attacking every element of the government's complex RICO theory.
No Enterprise
Challenging the existence of an enterprise with common purpose, structure, and continuity.
No Pattern
Arguing isolated acts don't constitute a pattern of racketeering activity with continuity.
Withdrawal Defense
Demonstrating withdrawal from conspiracy before RICO violations occurred.
Legitimate Business
Proving business operations were legitimate despite some illegal acts by others.
Statute of Limitations
RICO has a 5-year limitations period from the last predicate act.
Severance
Separating your case from co-defendants to avoid guilt by association.
RICO Indictment? Your Life is at Stake
RICO charges mean decades in federal prison. The government has unlimited resources and is building their case now. You need attorneys who've fought these cases and won. Call immediately.
Available 24/7 • Free Consultation • Former Federal Prosecutors