RICO Act Prosecution Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, CA Providing Strategic Defense Solutions in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, and Throughout Southern California
If you’re facing federal charges of violating the RICO Act, you’re in serious legal trouble. The RICO Act pertains to organized criminal enterprises and corrupt businesses. You’re accused of involvement in organized crime through illegal activities as serious as fraud, extortion, kidnapping, violent crimes, or murder for hire. With penalties like 20-year-to-life prison sentences and steep fines, your only hope for preserving your freedom and your future is through a strong, strategic legal defense. Don’t trust just any attorney with this high-stakes situation—put your defense in the hands of an experienced Los Angeles RICO Act prosecution lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney.
The future may seem bleak, but charges of violating the RICO Act don’t automatically mean you will be convicted. Our team of experienced attorneys is prepared to carry out a full investigation, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the case against you, and build the most effective defense strategy possible based on the facts of your situation.
It costs you nothing to request an initial consultation with our federal criminal defense attorneys and explore the avenues available for your defense. Contact us today to begin building a legal strategy that protects your future.
Understanding the RICO Act’s Provisions and Violations
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act is codified as Chapter 96, Title 18 of the United States Code. This law, which was established as Title IX of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, encompasses Sections 1961-1968 of the United States Code, Title 18.
Violations of any statute that makes up the RICO Act can result in serious legal trouble. To ensure you’re ready to face the legal proceedings ahead, you need a knowledgeable RICO Act prosecution defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, who understands all the nuances of this law and how it applies to your situation.
Section 1961 of Title 18 of the United States Code
Section 1961 defines the terms used in the RICO Act. It’s necessary to consider these legal definitions in planning your defense strategy, as it may be possible to argue that your situation does not meet the criteria necessary for a conviction of RICO Act violations due to the specifics of these definitions. Among the most important definitions established in this section of the RICO Act are:
- What constitutes “racketeering activity”
- What groups or organizations meet the definition of an “enterprise”
- What is considered a “pattern of racketeering activity”
Federal law establishes racketeering activity under the RICO Act as both acts and threats of a broad range of illegal activities that encompass:
- Arson
- Bribery, including sports bribery
- Counterfeiting
- Criminal copyright infringement
- Dealing in obscene matter
- Drug trafficking or dealing in a controlled substance
- Economic espionage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Extortionate credit card transactions
- Firearms trafficking
- Fraud, including mail fraud, wire fraud, securities fraud, and financial institution fraud
- Human trafficking
- Identification document, passport, and citizenship paper fraud
- Illegal gambling
- Interference with lawful commerce
- Interstate transportation of stolen property, including motor vehicles
- Kidnapping
- Misuse of passports, visas, or permits
- Money laundering
- Murder
- Obstruction of justice or criminal investigations
- Passport forgery or false statements
- Producing, acquiring, or trafficking in biological weapons, chemical weapons, or nuclear weapons
- Racketeering
- Robbery
- Sexual exploitation of children
- Tampering with witnesses, informants, or crime victims
- Theft from interstate shipments
- Theft of trade secrets
- Trafficking in counterfeit goods
- Trafficking in contraband cigarettes
- Trafficking in certain motor vehicles or vehicle parts
Generally, engaging in monetary transactions involving or derived from unlawful activities or furthering such organized criminal activities through violence can constitute a violation of the RICO Act.
Under this statute, an enterprise can include a legally established partnership, association, corporation, or other entity, as well as groups or unions not established as formal legal entities. This means that the RICO Act applies to corporations engaged in shady conduct as well as gangs and cartels.
For conduct to constitute a pattern of racketeering activity under the RICO Act, there must be at least two acts of such activities occurring within 10 years.
Section 1962 of Title 18 of the United States Code
Section 1962 of Title 18 of the United States Code outlines activities prohibited under the RICO Act. These include:
- Using or investing the proceeds of any income directly or indirectly derived through a pattern of racketeering activity or unlawful debt collection to establish, operate, or acquire an interest in an enterprise engaged in interstate or foreign commerce
- Acquiring or maintaining control of or interest in an enterprise involved in interstate or foreign commerce through a pattern of racketeering activity or unlawful debt collection, directly or indirectly
- Participating in a pattern of racketeering or unlawful debt collection activities, directly or indirectly, as an employee or associate of an enterprise engaged in interstate or foreign commerce
- Conspiring to commit any of the violations mentioned above
Interpreting the specifics of this federal law and how its provisions apply to the criminal charges against you requires the guidance of a trusted Los Angeles RICO Act prosecution lawyer.
Section 1963 of Title 18 of the United States Code
Another part of the RICO Act that’s particularly important to understand when you’re facing criminal charges of violating this federal law is Section 1963 of Title 18 of the United States Code. This statute establishes the criminal penalties you could face for RICO Act and racketeering violations.
Under this statute, RICO Act violations are punishable by up to 20 years in prison. For specific offenses in which the federal maximum penalty would generally include life imprisonment, such as murder or kidnapping, you could receive a life sentence.
Fines imposed for RICO Act violations can also be steep, placing heavy financial burdens on you and your family. Under Section 3571 of Title 18 of the United States Code, fines for federal felonies can amount to up to $250,000 in fines. Certain violations can lead to even higher fines.
A conviction for a RICO Act violation can also result in forfeiture of any interest in any enterprise you operated or participated in and any property directly or indirectly derived from racketeering activity or unlawful debt collection.
Section 1964 of Title 18 of the United States Code
The criminal penalties you could face aren’t the only consequences of the RICO Act charges against you. Section 1964 of Title 18 of the United States Code establishes the right to civil remedies for alleged victims of racketeering activities. Per this statute, persons whose business or property has been harmed through the racketeering activities you’re accused of can sue for monetary compensation in civil district court and recover threefold damages, as well as the cost of the suit and attorney’s fees.
This statute further establishes the right of U.S. district courts to order you to divest yourself of any direct or indirect interest in the enterprise, order the dissolution of an enterprise, or prohibit you from engaging in the same type of activities in the future. The provisions of this statute mean you could face further financial hardships and, even after serving your sentence, be limited in your future career and financial opportunities.
Section 1965 of Title 18 of the United States Code
Section 1965 of Title 18 of the United States Code establishes the process for both criminal and civil legal actions arising out of alleged RICO Act violations, including the venues in which civil actions may be filed and where and how subpoenas may be issued to summon witnesses and other parties for court proceedings.
Section 1966 of Title 18 of the United States Code
Under Section 1966 of Title 18 of the United States Code, RICO Act violation charges may be expedited if, in the course of civil actions arising out of the matter, an Attorney General files a certificate stating that the case is of “general public importance.” This means you need to act quickly to begin building your defense because your case may proceed faster than other types of criminal legal matters.
Section 1967 of Title 18 of the United States Code
The court, under Section 1967 of Title 18 of the United States Code, can, at its discretion, determine whether proceedings involving RICO Act violations and civil actions arising out of them should be open or closed to the public. These cases can be high-profile matters, so it’s important to choose a Los Angeles RICO Act prosecution lawyer who is prepared to handle the challenges of a case in which the proceedings are open to the public and could potentially have further legal implications.
Section 1968 of Title 18 of the United States Code
Under Section 1968 of Title 18 of the United States Code, the Attorney General has a right to issue a written civil investigative demand requiring any person or enterprise believed to be in possession of documents or materials relevant to a racketeering investigation to produce such evidence. This demand can be issued prior to any civil or criminal proceedings, and the evidence it produces can be used against you in such proceedings.
The Attorney General will also designate a racketeering investigator who will act as custodian of the documents produced under this demand.
Make no mistake—the prosecution has the legal framework and the resources at its disposal to investigate alleged RICO Act violations exhaustively. To have the best chance of a favorable outcome, you need legal counsel who’s equally committed to developing the strongest possible defense for you.
The Advantages of Retaining an Experienced RICO Act Prosecution Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, CA
The RICO Act is full of complexities: references to other statutes, legal language that must be interpreted correctly, and authorizations granted to prosecutors and courts that could impact how your legal matter proceeds.
Trying to figure all of this out on your own would be a significant mistake, but so would choosing the wrong attorney. You need a dedicated legal advocate who will put their full professional resources and extensive knowledge of federal cases into fighting these charges, not an overburdened public defender or a lawyer whose experience only extends to state-level criminal defense cases. Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference when you’re facing RICO Act prosecution and, potentially, penalties as severe as 20-year prison terms and six-figure fines.
Developing Strategic Defenses Against RICO Act Violation Charges
There are numerous potential defenses you may be able to use against a RICO Act charge. Our attorneys explore all avenues, considering arguments such as false allegations, lack of involvement or intent, unlawful collection of evidence, rights violations, and insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We’ll develop a strategy based on the specific facts of your unique situation, personalizing our approach to your defense to secure the most favorable outcome possible.
Advocating Aggressively in Our Clients’ Best Interests
Even the strongest legal arguments aren’t sufficient without the constant, unwavering advocacy required to fight federal charges. Our attorneys are here to represent you throughout all legal proceedings, standing up for your interests at every turn and shutting down improper procedures that would violate your rights. Facing federal charges of racketeering puts you in the middle of a serious legal battle, and we’re ready to fight tirelessly for you.
How The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Can Help
The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney handle all aspects of our clients’ cases, including:
- Analyzing the facts of your situation
- Investigating the circumstances that led to the charges against you
- Reviewing the prosecution’s evidence against you
- Gathering all evidence that supports your defense
- Developing personalized strategies and arguments based on the facts and evidence
- Representing you in all proceedings, including arraignment, hearings, trial, and sentencing proceedings
- Working to secure the most favorable outcome possible through motions, negotiations, courtroom representation, and introduction of mitigating circumstances
Our firm is ready to ensure that you’ll never face any aspect of your criminal case alone.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney as Your Los Angeles RICO Act Prosecution Lawyer?
Choosing The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney as your Los Angeles RICO Act prosecution lawyer means retaining legal counsel prepared to provide comprehensive criminal defense services, the support only experienced professionals can offer, and skills in both negotiation and courtroom defense.
Comprehensive Defense Against Federal Charges of All Kinds
Racketeering charges encompass all types of violations, with some cases including multiple types of crimes. You need to know that your attorney understands the nuances not only of racketeering violations but also of the specific types of crimes you’re accused of. Our firm provides comprehensive legal defense services, fighting charges of all kinds at both the federal and state levels. We’re ready to address your case from all angles, building the defense strategy that offers you the best hope of minimizing the impact of these charges on your future.
Experienced Legal Support to Get You Through the Difficult Criminal Justice Process
Our team of defense attorneys brings more than a century of experience in legal practice to every case we handle. We recognize how stressful facing federal charges can be, and we’re committed to providing compassionate support throughout every stage of the legal process, giving you peace of mind while we work to preserve your rights.
The Skills to Fight for You Inside and Outside the Courtroom
Every case is unique, and our commitment to exploring all avenues of defense ensures that our firm is ready for whatever’s ahead. We can use our negotiation skills to pursue a favorable plea deal outside the courtroom when appropriate, but we’re just as prepared to put up a compelling defense in court if going to trial is the most promising path for your case.
Contact a Los Angeles RICO Act Prosecution Lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Today for a Free Case Review
Nothing should stand in the way of taking charge of your defense, especially when you’re facing the long-lasting legal implications of RICO Act violation charges. By offering a free initial consultation, we ensure anyone accused of federal racketeering offenses in California has the opportunity to discuss the specifics of their case with an experienced professional and understand their rights and options.
For help from a RICO Act prosecution defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, contact The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney online or call 818-330-5198 today.
