Tampa RICO Lawyer

In 1970, the United States passed the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in an effort to stop organized crime. Under this law, the government could charge entire criminal organizations, not just individual members. However, you don’t need to be a member of the mafia to be prosecuted under the RICO Act — and if you’ve been charged, your first priority should be contacting a RICO lawyer.

At Taracks & Associates, we believe everyone deserves a strong, personalized defense, especially when facing something as serious as RICO charges. Our team has the experience needed to defend you against racketeering and similar crimes.

 

What Are RICO Charges?

Essentially, RICO charges are charges that you have committed racketeering, which involves committing a pattern of illegal activities for profit as part of an organization (either formal or informal). There are several elements of a RICO charge. To find you guilty, the government must prove several actions.

An Enterprise Existed

Under RICO, “enterprise” is a very broad term. In some cases, the enterprise involved might be a legally established organization. In other cases, it might be a group of individuals, businesses, or other entities that informally associate with one another for the purpose of committing illegal activity.

The Enterprise Affected Interstate Commerce

To be charged under the federal RICO statute, you must have engaged in criminal activity that crossed state borders.

You Engaged in a Pattern of Racketeering Activity Within the Enterprise

To establish a “RICO pattern” and convict you, a prosecutor must be able to prove that you committed at least two “predicate” offenses within 10 years. They also must prove that you committed those offenses as part of the enterprise. These are some example predicate offenses:

• Drug crimes
• Murder
• Arson
• Kidnapping
• Bribery
• Extortion
• Embezzlement
• Blackmail.

Notably, you don’t have to have complete knowledge of the criminal conspiracy or enterprise itself in order to be found guilty of racketeering.

Example RICO Cases

While some RICO charges are against crime families, drug cartels, and street gangs, more informal groups can also be charged. These are some examples of people brought up on RICO charges:

• The organizer of the 2019 college admissions scandal involving bribing coaches and administrators
• Three members of the Hells Angels who committed murder and other crimes to support the club’s criminal activities
• Enron executives who conspired to defraud their employees.

Before charging anyone with racketeering, the government assembles extensive evidence. RICO cases can be challenging to fight, but an experienced RICO lawyer in Tampa can maximize your chances of an acquittal.

If you have been arrested and charged with a RICO offense, there’s no time to waste. Call us at 813-281-2897 for a free consultation with a Tampa RICO lawyer today.

Are RICO Charges State or Federal?

Often, people who talk about RICO charges are referring to federal charges. However, some states have their own RICO statutes — and Florida is one of them. In 1977, Florida passed the Florida Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, a law very similar to the federal RICO Act.

Depending on the type of racketeering you’re accused of, you could be charged at the federal level, the state level, or even both. That’s because state and federal governments have “concurrent jurisdiction” over RICO cases. Each one can bring its own charges for the same crime.

What Is the Penalty for Racketeering?

With a RICO Charge, the Stakes Are High

Because RICO offenses generally involve engaging in criminal activity for financial gain, it makes sense that a conviction can come with significant financial penalties as well as incarceration. Judges have considerable latitude when it comes to sentencing, but these are some of the possible penalties:

• Being ordered to forfeit all funds and business interests obtained through racketeering
• A fine of up to twice the proceeds of the racketeering activity
• Up to 20 years in prison per count (or up to life in prison if the racketeering involved crimes punishable by life in prison).

Depending on the exact activity you were accused of, you might be prosecuted under Florida’s state RICO statutes as well. Penalties are similar, but you may face even harsher sentencing at the state level — Florida RICO charges carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison per count.

FAQ

Facing any kind of criminal charges — let alone those as serious as RICO charges — can be intimidating, and you may not know what to expect. Here are some of the questions clients often ask our Tampa RICO lawyers.

What are RICO charges?

RICO charges are violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. They involve committing crimes for financial gain as part of an enterprise.

Will I have to go to prison for RICO charges?

If you are convicted, you will likely face a prison sentence. However, a skilled RICO lawyer might be able to argue for lighter penalties.

Are RICO charges state or federal?

You can be charged under the federal RICO Act, the Florida RICO Act, or both. The type of charges you face will depend on the scope of the activity you were allegedly involved in.

Why should I work with a RICO lawyer instead of a public defender?

Many public defense attorneys are struggling to manage high caseloads. Others are early in their careers and may not have enough experience to deliver the strong defense you deserve.

If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Why Choose Us?

When the Stakes Are High, You Need Strong Representation

A RICO conviction often comes with serious prison time and major fines. While there are no guarantees in a court of law, having a lawyer who understands how to craft a strong defense against racketeering charges can boost your chances of a positive outcome. The Taracks & Associates team has more than 30 years of experience, and we have defended more than 6,000 clients. Whether you’re facing federal or state RICO charges, our attorneys are ready to put our knowledge to work for you.

If you need a RICO lawyer in Tampa, we’re here for you. Call Taracks & Associates at 813-281-2897 for a free case review.