RICO Act Defense Attorney
RICO is an abbreviation for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act found in 18 U.S.C. Sections 1961-68. The RICO Act makes it possible for federal prosecutors to bring criminal charges against any person allegedly involved in an organization that commits crimes and increases the severity of penalties for crimes performed in conjunction with organized crime. Although the RICO Act was originally intended to help stop the mafia, it has had much more widespread implications and has even been used against social advocacy groups and police departments. RICO laws are also often utilized in prosecuting individuals or corporations who allegedly retaliate against victims, whistleblowers or witnesses of crimes when those parties cooperate with law enforcement or an ongoing investigation. Despite the aggressiveness that law enforcement utilizes the RICO Act, individuals and corporations have many successful defensive strategies potentially available.
In order to prosecute a RICO Act violation, prosecutors must establish evidence of the existence of a criminal organization and at a minimum, a pattern of racketeering activity requires at least two acts of racketeering activity within ten years of each other. The required two acts of racketeering includes crimes such as bribery, extortion, money laundering, counterfeiting, gambling, murder, arson, robbery, kidnapping, harboring certain illegal aliens, obstruction of justice, slavery and others. The maximum penalties for racketeering include a fine of up to $250,000 and up to 20 years in prison in addition to the forfeiture of all business interests and gains gleaned from the criminal activity. In addition, the case can be re-tried in civil court; where plaintiffs are allowed to sue for triple damages.
If a RICO Act prosecution has been initiated against you or a loved one or you believe law enforcement officials are contemplating such an allegation, we may be able to successfully defend and in some cases we may even be able to prevent the initiation of any prosecution. In every RICO Act violation scenario we have the knowledge and experience to achieve the best results possible. Contact the Dallas RICO Act lawyers at the Law Offices of Roderick C. White today for a free initial consultation. We have the skill, knowledge, and experience to help!