Racketeering/RICO
Racketeering generally involves the operation of a structured illegal business or scheme in order to make a profit. Racketeering is a broad criminal category of criminal acts that includes bribery, extortion, gambling, money laundering, embezzlement, murder, robbery and drug related offenses. In 1970, the Federal government passed the Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organizations Act (“RICO”) in an effort to prosecute these offenses and, what they refer to as, organized crime.
Convictions under RICO often carry lengthy prison sentences and significant fines. Many attorneys and citizens believe that the government has recently started charging individuals under RICO because of its extreme sentencing exposure. RICO prosecutions normally involve highly complex legal issues and defenses. If you have been arrested, charged or believe you will be charged with Racketeering or a RICO violation you need to speak to Joel Silberman as soon as possible to ensure your defense is not jeopardized.
- Lack of knowledge of Illegal Enterprise
- Constitutional Defenses
- Innocence
- Prosecution has insufficient evidence to satisfy burden