Racketeering is an intricate white collar crime usually involving a large scale criminal organization where other several violent crimes can occur. A charge is a very serious offense and requires the consultation of an aggressive racketeering defense attorney.
The federal Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act or RICO has been widely touted as a tool to prosecute many corrupt individuals and organizations in the Mafia, Catholic Church, several police departments, politicians and others.
Can A Racketeering Defense Attorney Help?
This is an extremely serious offense. Someone who is typically charged can face both state and federal charges. One needs to speak to an experienced racketeering defense attorney right away if they have been charged. We’ve been defending against severe criminal charges for over 25 years and we understand how complicated a racketeering case can get.
If you or someone you love has been charged with racketeering, call us today at (727) 821-8000 and schedule a free consultation. We will walk through the case with you and help you understand your rights, as well as your options.
What Is Racketeering?
Racketeering is a crime often associated with organized crime. Anyone associated with a criminal organization can be prosecuted under racketeering laws if proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Under the federal RICO laws, racketeering is defined as any criminal activity involving the threat of murder, kidnapping, extortion, bribery, gambling, dealing in obscene material, arson, robbery or dealing a controlled substance.
Under the RICO act, it is illegal to operate or acquire a business with funds used in criminal activity. The act also specifies that it is illegal to use a business in order to commit criminal activity.
Florida also has its own RICO laws known as the Florida RICO Statute. It defines racketeering under the same terminology as the federal act and the Florida RICO Statute is modeled very closely to the federal act.
What’s The Difference Between State and Federal Racketeering Charges?
Although the Florida RICO Statute is modeled after the federal RICO Act, there are a few distinctions. The federal and state racketeering laws have different requirements for the evidence needed in order to prosecute a conviction. Under the federal laws, it must be proven that two racketeering crimes took place within a ten year period of time. Under the state laws, the prosecution must prove that two or more racketeering crimes took place within five years of each other.
Both the state and federal RICO laws are incredibly complicated. If you have been charged with a crime under these laws, you don’t have to feel alone. Consult with a qualified racketeering defense attorney to help your case, such as the criminal defense attorney team at the Law Offices of William B. Bennett, P.A. Contact us today for a free consultation on your racketeering case.
What Are Examples Of Racketeering?
Originally, racketeering laws were established to prosecute organized crime. However, the RICO laws have been used to prosecute many other types of crimes. The Florida state RICO laws are used to prosecute the following types of crimes:
- Bank Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Insurance Fraud
- Tax Evasion
- Money Laundering
- Medicare Fraud
- Other Financial Crimes
RICO laws on the federal level that require a racketeering defense attorney, includes a long list of crimes including but not limited to the following:
- Money Laundering
- Ponzi Schemes
- Contract Murder
- Sexual Exploitation of Children
- Fraud
- Bribery
- Obstruction of Justice
Do I Need To Hire A Racketeering Defense Attorney?
A conviction for racketeering related crimes is a serious felony and can come with heavy fines and several years in prison. If you have been charged with a crime, you need a qualified RICO and racketeering defense attorney on your side to help you navigate the complexities of your case. Call the Law Office of William B. Bennett, P.A. today at (727) 821-8000 or contact us on our website to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We’re here to help.