Los Angeles Racketeering Attorney

Mounting a Defense against Racketeering Charges

A "racket" can be defined as an illegal business, and engagement in such activity is thus called "racketeering."  Long the staple of organized crime groups, federal authorities have used the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act to go after all manner of illegal activity since the legislation was enacted in 1970.  RICO Act violations can lead to very serious repercussions, so it is in your best interest to immediately gain the services of a Los Angeles federal criminal defense lawyer should you be under investigation or arrest for such offenses.

The most common types of racketeering include:

• Protection racket: a form of extortion where money is demanded to avoid retribution by a criminal organization
• Numbers racket:  an illegal lottery operation

Defined by the RICO Act as committing 2 offenses on a list of 35 federal charges within a 10 year period, racketeering can encompass illegal acts surrounding any enterprises that harm interstate or foreign commerce.  Efforts against racketeering are mounted by the Attorney General of the United States, who may in turn designate federal agencies to investigate these violations.  A conviction, depending on the specifics of the illegal activity, can bring many years of federal imprisonment and extensive fines.

Los Angeles Racketeering Lawyer

Generally, prosecutors can enhance other criminal charges surrounding such acts as bribery, extortion, drug crimes, and money laundering through RICO Act violation offenses.  You will need the assistance of a top-notch legal firm in your defense efforts, such as Kaye, McLane & Bednarski, LLP.  We are very concerned when high-powered federal investigations lead to sweeping arrests and a subsequent steamrolling of legal rights. Allow us to aggressively defend your interests and your dignity.