South Carolina Racketeering and RICO Violation Defense Lawyers
Racketeering is a serious crime, punishable under federal and state RICO laws designed to crack down on organized crime. There are various penalties and offenses that are included under the Racketeering/RICO umbrella, and any of these charges need the experience of criminal defense attorney like those at the Strom Law Firm.
What is Racketeering?
Racketeering refers to illegal acts carried out by leaders of an organization or syndicate in which they can be tried for crimes that they ordered or assisted with, without having to actually commit the crime themselves. The federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and similar state racketeering laws allows the government to go after those accused of racketeering offenses. As a result, the RICO and state racketeering laws can be harsh and may extend both criminal and civil penalties for acts performed as part of a criminal organization. RICO was originally designed to help prosecute members of the mafia, but now serves many purposes.
The RICO offenses can include, but are not limited to:
- murder,
- the transportation and distribution of drugs,
- gambling,
- embezzlement,
- extortion,
- theft/armed robbery,
- money laundering,
- bribery,
- kidnapping,
- arson, and
- acts of terrorism.
The Penalties for a RICO Conviction Are Severe
Possible penalties may include:
- Prison time
- Mandatory probation/parole/house arrest/counseling
- Loss of certain constitutional rights
- Forfeiture of assets
- Large fines
Although not a criminal penalty, you may be ordered to pay restitution to the victim.
If you or someone you know is facing Racketeering RICO charges you need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can review your case and determine your best course of action. Our criminal defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm will provide an aggressive and well planned defense to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case and hear how we can help.
