Manassas RICO Lawyer

What is a RICO Charge?

A RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charge is a serious criminal accusation against individuals or organizations that participate in a pattern of criminal activity. It is a tool to target organized criminal groups and can result in significant legal consequences. These charges are typically reserved for cases involving organized criminal enterprises and can have substantial implications. It is advisable to seek the guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney if facing RICO charges.

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Are Rico Charges State or Federal?

RICO charges can be brought at both the state and federal level, depending on the nature of the criminal activity and the jurisdiction in which the alleged criminal activity occurred.

At the federal level, RICO charges are typically brought by the United States Department of Justice and are prosecuted in federal court. These charges can be used to target organized criminal enterprises that operate across state lines or engage in activities that are considered to be of national significance.

At the state level, state prosecutors can bring RICO charges and are prosecuted in state court. These charges can be used to target organized criminal enterprises that operate within a particular state or locality.

How Do You Get a Rico Charge?

In order to be charged with a RICO-related offense, the defendant must have participated in a racketeering activity as part of a broader criminal enterprise - the term “racketeering” encompasses a number of organized crimes.

What Is Considered Racketeering?

• Counterfeiting
• Drug Trafficking
• Embezzlement
• Extortion
• Loan Sharking
• Money Laundering
• Unlawful Gambling

Being charged under state or federal RICO statutes is a serious matter that can result in harsh penalties, including substantial fines and up to 40 years in prison. Our Manassas RICO attorneys at Dischley Law, PLLC have over 30 years of legal experience and give you the guidance that you need in both state and federal courts.

Understanding Racketeering Charges

A single criminal racketeering offense does not necessarily trigger a RICO investigation or any associated charges. There must be a consistent pattern of racketeering offenses conducted at the behest of a criminal enterprise. A “pattern” is generally defined as any two relevant crimes occurring within the same 10-year window.

Any sort of organized effort to commit unlawful acts can be labeled a “criminal enterprise.” This might include individuals, groups of individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations, or other legal entities.

You may learn you are the subject of a RICO investigation before facing any formal charges. Depending on the nature of the offenses and the entities involved, law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels will often work in tandem with any relevant financial institutions to determine if a series of suspected crimes can be charged under state or federal RICO laws.

If you are contacted by government agents in connection with a RICO investigation, you should immediately consider retaining qualified legal representation. A Manassas RICO lawyer from our team can represent you in all communications with investigators, work to limit your criminal exposure, and proactively prepare for any anticipated charges.

What is the Minimum Sentence for a Rico Charge?

A conviction in a Virginia felony RICO case will result in a minimum of 5 years in prison with up to 40 years of jail time.  While federal RICO charges carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years as well as hefty fines. Convicted offenders, both at the state and federal level, will also need to turn over any assets that were illegally obtained in connection with the criminal enterprise. RICO penalties also stack, meaning that they are typically levied in addition to any sentencing that results from the underlying associated crimes. 

Choose Dischley Law, PLLC For Your Defense

Our Manassas RICO attorneys at Dischley Law, PLLC can provide the support that you need when facing a RICO investigation in Virginia or at the federal level. We will review every facet of your case and determine what strategies are likely to produce the most advantageous outcome.

If you have been charged with a RICO-related offense in Manassas, do not wait to schedule a free initial consultation with our team. Call (703) 215-9337 or contact us online to start exploring your legal options.