Federal and State Criminal Defense Representation
RICO Act Defense Attorney
Violations of the state or federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act are denoted by a set of crimes and criminal patterns present in the activity of an organization or individual that constitute racketeering.
Federal offenses under RICO include bribery, fraud, obstruction of justice, trafficking, and money laundering, while gambling, murder, kidnapping, extortion, arson, bribery and robbery fall under state supervision. A RICO violation occurs when at least two racketeering crimes that took place less than ten years apart are committed and at least one was committed after the passage of the RICO Act.
If convicted, the penalties for defendants in RICO cases are harsh; in fact, many of these convictions result in life sentences for the parties involved. RICO Act cases are highly complex and involve multiple investigations across many jurisdictions. For this reason, individuals under investigation in such cases must secure strong defense counsel from a RICO defense attorney familiar with the methods and requirements.
What Is the RICO Act?
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, implemented in 1970 with the intention of targeting the entire Mafia as a whole, is one of the United States government’s most powerful and sweeping laws. The key factor setting this law apart, and the primary reason for its implementation, is that it allows authorities to charge, try, and sentence the leaders of a criminal syndicate both for crimes they ordered.
While RICO is important in theory and has indisputably done a lot of good, flawed and extreme present-day application of this law means that if you can be connected to the perpetrators of a crime at all, your alibi and reputation carry significantly less weight in determining whether or not you see charges, trials, and penalties. Unknowingly having social, personal, and legitimate professional associations with members of criminal organizations often lands law-abiding citizens in court and federal prison.
Having the wrong friends or neighbors isn’t a crime. Contact Basmadjian Law Group now to consult with an experienced federal RICO Act defense attorney.
27 Years of Accumulated Practice
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Karine Basmadjian is a criminal defense attorney with nearly two decades of state and federal courtroom experience. She and her team at Basmadjian Law Group will go to work immediately to protect your rights and freedom. Contact Basmadjian Law Group now!