NYC RICO Lawyer

RICO Attorney In NYC

Being charged under RICO in New York City puts you against the most effective legal instrument that federal and state prosecutors deploy against organized crime. The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act permits authorities to connect various crimes, like fraud and drug trafficking, into one comprehensive legal accusation. It is essential to secure representation from an experienced NYC RICO lawyer before it’s too late.

A loose connection to an alleged criminal enterprise doesn’t protect you from facing serious consequences, either. The Law Office of Jonathan Savella represents defendants charged with violations of both federal and New York State RICO laws. To protect your freedom, reputation, and future, you need a NYC criminal defense lawyer skilled at breaking down complicated RICO charges while scrutinizing the government’s arguments from multiple perspectives.

What Is a RICO Charge?

The RICO Act enables prosecutors to target organized crime through charges against individuals or groups who participate in continuous criminal conduct. RICO allows multiple criminal offenses, known as predicate acts, to be combined. This enables prosecutors to demonstrate a racketeering pattern and connect it to an overall criminal enterprise.

Full liability can result from having any level of involvement in the organization, even without committing every crime. Federal and New York State RICO laws empower prosecutors significantly, which underscores the essential need for immediate and tactical legal defense actions.

The U.S. Sentencing Commission’s 2023 statistics showed that the Southern District of New York had 23 federal cases related to extortion and racketeering offenses, which include RICO charges.

Common Crimes Prosecuted Under RICO in NYC

New York City RICO charges frequently arise from probes into supposed gang operations, drug trafficking networks, and white-collar criminal schemes. RICO enables prosecutors to connect different offenses and multiple people, regardless of each person’s role. These common crimes represent typical predicate acts prosecuted under RICO cases:

• Drug trafficking involves selling, moving, or producing drugs within a large-scale operation.
• Wire fraud uses electronic channels to execute fraudulent operations.
• Extortion is compelling individuals to perform actions by using threats or coercive methods.
• Robbery and theft are the acquisition of property through force or deceptive methods. This activity can also be done to support organizational activities.
• Bribery involves illegally influencing the decisions of public officials or private actors.
• Assault or murder are acts of violence that can be committed to maintain control or expand influence.

Defending Against RICO Charges

RICO cases present complex challenges, but defendants can successfully fight back. A seasoned criminal defense attorney can scrutinize the prosecution’s assertions regarding the:

• True existence of an “enterprise”
• Proof of a “pattern” of racketeering activity
• Defendant’s connection to continuing criminal behavior

RICO prosecutions depend upon testimony from cooperating witnesses and indirect evidence, which often proves to be unreliable or exaggerated.

The Law Office of Jonathan Savella can fight to undermine the government’s story, work to exclude illegal evidence, and seek all potential legal routes for dismissal or reduced charges. Only a forceful and calculated defense will protect your liberty when it is at risk.

What to Do If You’re Facing RICO Charges

Anyone who is arrested or suspects they are being investigated for RICO-related activity needs to take swift action. Avoid speaking to investigators about your involvement because anything you say could become evidence against you. Seek legal assistance from an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Prosecutors spend extensive time developing comprehensive RICO cases, which typically involve lengthy and intricate investigations. An attorney retained early in an investigation can safeguard your legal rights, control the public story, and potentially stop charges from being brought against you.

FAQs

Q: What Makes a Crime Eligible for RICO Charges?

A: Prosecutors need to establish a connection between racketeering activity and a criminal enterprise to bring RICO charges. A typical requirement includes the execution of, at minimum, two qualifying criminal offenses, known as predicate acts, throughout a decade.

The qualifying crimes for RICO charges cover offenses from drug trafficking to fraud to violent acts. The predicate acts should exhibit both a connection with each other and demonstrate continuous illegal activity related to an organization.

Q: Is RICO a Federal or State Charge in New York?

A: Federal and state authorities have the power to prosecute RICO cases. New York handles its version of RICO through the Organized Crime Control Act (OCCA), while federal cases fall under 18 U.S.C. § 1961–1968. Felony convictions are possible under both RICO statutes, but the structure of the charges and the prosecuting agencies vary.

Q: What Are the Penalties for a RICO Conviction?

A: A federal RICO conviction typically carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison per racketeering count. However, if the offense involves certain underlying crimes (such as murder), the penalty can increase to life imprisonment. Fines, asset forfeiture, and restitution are also common.

New York State RICO charges qualify as felonies that carry the potential for extensive prison sentences. A conviction can cause serious damage to your freedom while also leading to financial loss and harm to your reputation.

Q: Can You Be Charged Under RICO Without Committing Violence?

A: Yes, you can be charged under RICO without committing violence. RICO charges cover multiple non-violent crimes, including mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and bribery. RICO cases can involve violent crimes, yet they do not require violence to be applicable. This investigation examines both your purported participation in the larger organization and the pattern of criminal activities.

Contact an NYC RICO Lawyer

New York City prosecutes RICO charges as some of its most grave criminal allegations. These cases combine complex legal theories and multiple predicate offenses, which can result in lengthy prison terms when filed under federal law or the New York Organized Crime Control Act.

The Law Office of Jonathan Savella possesses the necessary skills to manage the complex requirements of RICO prosecutions. We deliver targeted defense strategies to take apart the government’s case while safeguarding your future. When you’re under investigation or charged with a crime, you must take immediate action. Reach out to our office to explore the legal possibilities for your case.