Racketeering And RICO Charges Attorneys In Florida
If you face racketeering and RICO charges, you know how serious your situation is. Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial to navigating the challenging landscape of federal and state laws.
At Brunvand & Wise Law Group, we bring over 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense. We offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options and develop a strategic plan tailored to your specific situation. Our attorneys will defend your rights aggressively, both in state and federal courts. Our team includes a board-certified criminal trial attorney, ensuring that your case is handled with the highest level of professionalism and dedication.
What Are Racketeering And RICO Charges In Florida?
In Florida, racketeering and RICO charges are serious accusations involving participation in an organized crime group or criminal enterprise. These charges are typically used to address complex criminal activities that span multiple offenses, aiming to dismantle entire criminal organizations rather than punishing individual crimes.
Specific examples of racketeering and RICO crimes include:
- Extortion
- Money laundering
- Illegal gambling operations
- Drug trafficking within a criminal enterprise
- Bribery and corruption schemes
Racketeering and RICO laws were designed to combat organized crime across the country, and they carry severe penalties. This is why working with skilled racketeering defense lawyers and RICO defense attorneys is critical to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome.
What To Do If You Have Been Charged With Racketeering Or RICO
If you find yourself facing racketeering or RICO charges, immediate action is essential. First, exercise your right to remain silent and do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney. Contact Brunvand & Wise Law Group as soon as possible to secure legal representation. Our experienced lawyers will work closely with you to assess the charges, explore all possible defenses and develop a comprehensive strategy to challenge the prosecution’s case against you.
What Is RICO And How Does It Apply To Racketeering?
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act is a federal law that provides extended penalties for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization. The RICO Act allows for leaders of an organization to be tried for the crimes they ordered others to do or assisted them in doing. This law closes a loophole that allowed a person who instructed someone else to commit a crime to be exempt from the trial because they did not personally commit the crime by their own hand.
What Are The Penalties For Racketeering Under RICO?
The penalties for racketeering under RICO are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and asset forfeiture. Convicted individuals may face up to 20 years in prison for each racketeering count, and if the racketeering activity involves murder, the maximum penalty can be life imprisonment. These stringent penalties make it imperative to have a robust defense strategy tailored to combat these serious allegations.
What Evidence Is Needed To Prove Racketeering?
To prove racketeering, the prosecution must demonstrate that the defendant engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity as part of an enterprise. This involves showing that the defendant committed at least two acts of racketeering within a 10-year period. The evidence must establish that these acts are interrelated and that they have a substantial effect on interstate or foreign commerce.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you face racketeering or RICO charges, don’t hesitate to reach out to Brunvand & Wise Law Group for help. Call us today at 813-521-8069 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation at our Tampa law office. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you.