Houston RICO Crime Attorneys
Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)
Since the 1970s, prosecutors have relied on the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act to fight organized crime. While intended to help fight organized criminal activity, the RICO Act has essentially made it easier for prosecutors to prove guilt. With the institution of the RICO Act, prosecutors are no longer required to prove that the suspect personally committed the alleged illegal activity. Instead, they are now only required to prove that:
- The defendant owned and / or managed the organization
- The organization was known to regularly perform at least one illegal activity
The controversial law has been used in a number of instances, including criminal offense such as extortion, money laundering, fraud, federal drug offenses, gambling, arson, and more. The financial and social implications of a conviction for a RICO violation are extensive – don't wait to contact a Houston federal crime lawyer at Billy Skinner & Associates for aggressive defense against your charges. We can be reached at 713-600-7777.
What consequences could I face if convicted?
A conviction for a RICO violation could result in any one or more of the following:
- Imprisonment for up to 20 years
- Forfeiture of assets, including real property, tangible personal property, and intangible personal property
- Payment of restitution
- Hefty fines (in addition to restitution fees)
- Loss of personal right to be bonded (this could seriously affect future employment opportunities)
- Probation or parole
How can you defend me?
Effectively defending a racketeering case requires skillful negotiation and investigative techniques. After Billy Skinner & Associates has thoroughly reviewed the details of your case and the events surrounding your arrest, we can implement a defense strategy on your behalf. Possible methods of defense include:
- Proving innocence through factual evidence
- Proving that insufficient evidence exists to make a conviction
- Proving that the defendant had a lack of knowledge of the illegal activity
- Proving that illegal / improper procedures were conducted by police during the arrest
- Proving that the violations were not made in conjunction with a larger criminal conspiracy
You may be able to significantly improve your chances at escaping conviction by working with a
federal crime defense attorney at our office. Billy Skinner & Associates is available to clients 24/7. As a former prosecutor, our lead attorney can build a strong and effective defense to fight the allegations that have been made against you.
For a free evaluation of your case from an attorney at Billy Skinner & Associates, contact us at 713-600-7777.
Jake