![]() In order to prepare a strong racketeering defense, our legal team will conduct thorough research to find supporting evidence. If applicable to your case, the racketeering defense lawyers from Goldman Wetzel will also conduct research to find evidence that proves that you were not aware of these activities or that you did not intend to participate in them. As a result, if the prosecutor does not have enough evidence to support her or his claim, your criminal lawyer might be able to get your charges dropped. In a racketeering case, the prosecutor needs to prove the existence of a criminal organization or a pattern of racketeering activity. Below there are some possible defenses that our RICO attorneys might be able to use. Given that these are complex offenses, building a strong defense depends on characteristics of each case. How to Beat a RICO Charge in Florida?Ī racketeering charge is a serious accusation. ![]() If you are not sure about the charges that you are facing, seek the legal counsel of one of our Florida criminal defense attorneys. Oftentimes, people charged with racketeering face additional charges which can significantly escalate penalties. Applying this sentencing is up to the court’s discretion. With a racketeering conviction in Florida, in lieu of the $10,000 fine, the offender might need to pay up to 3 times the gross value gained or 3 times the gross loss caused. As a result, if convicted, the offender will face a penalty of up to 30 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000, and cover the court and prosecution expenses. In Florida, according to Statute § 895.04, RICO crimes are classified as a first-degree felony. Thus, he or she will consider the nature of the offense, aggravating factors and the defendant’s past criminal record. In federal sentencing, the judge has more discretion. Under federal law, racketeering can carry a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a fine twice the gross value gained.Īdditionally, the federal government might also seize any property or assets obtained through the racketeering activities. ![]() Like many other federal crimes, before dictating a sentence, the judge needs to consider several factors. RICO SentencingĪs mentioned before, a RICO offense can be charged either at the federal or state level. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. Our racketeering attorneys in Florida have experience in both Federal and State Courts. Thus, you need an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney at your side. Some of the organized, illegal activities and offenses that fall under racketeering include but are not limited to:īeing accused of racketeering your charges might result in severe penalties that can affect your life. In other words, a person or organization can be charged with a RICO crime if they had committed at least 2 racketeering activities within a 10 year period.Įxamples of Racketeering Crimes in Florida In this context, an enterprise might include a criminal organization or a legitimate business that engaged in criminal activities.Ī person or organization can be charged with racketeering if they engage in a pattern of racketeering. In other words, a RICO crime takes place when an organization or individual connected to that enterprise engages in unlawful activities. Nevertheless, racketeering involves numerous types of unlawful activities. Thus, many people relate racketeering with drug cartels, mafia and gangs. The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) was originally designed to prosecute individuals engaging in organized crime. What is Considered Racketeering in Florida? Due to the complexity of the charges, if you are facing a racketeering allegation, you might want to retain the help of a criminal lawyer. In either case, without a strong defense, a RICO crime can result in severe penalties that include expensive fines and long prison sentences. Ī racketeering crime can be prosecuted either in Federal or State court. ![]() In Florida, RICO is charged as a first-degree felony and it can result in 30 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. Thus, it is important to understand what racketeering is and how it could affect your life.Ī racketeering offense (RICO) occurs when a unlawful or legitimate organization commits illegal activities such as murder, money laundering, embezzlment, extorsion, and bribery. Although most people might be familiar with the term racketeering, this offense is not only applicable to organized crime. In Florida, racketeering crimes (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) are harshly punished.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |