RICO Offenses Lawyer New Jersey
Federal offenses are incredibly serious and should never be taken lightly. If you or someone you know is accused of federal racketeering, you need to contact a RICO offenses lawyer in New Jersey from Lorraine Gauli-Rufo, Esq. & Associates right away. Your lawyer will be able to look into your case to determine if the charge is fair and then work from there to try to lessen your punishment.
What Is a RICO Offense?
A racketeer-influenced corrupt organizations statute (RICO) is a federal statute that makes the people who organize racketeering accountable for the actions of those who are working for them as well. It means that the people at the top of a racketeering criminal organization can be punished for the actions of others.
Why Are People Charged with RICO Offenses?
Sometimes, people are wrongly accused of a RICO offense. For example, if a criminal is doing the illegal activity and does not want to take the blame, they may point fingers at other people who they claim led them to commit crimes. A leader of a group may be charged with a RICO offense for a few reasons. First, a person might not want to be held responsible for something that someone else asked them to do. They may, in turn, try to change the blame to point fingers at someone else. Second, a person may accuse someone of being the leader of criminal activities in order to get revenge or change blame to someone else. Third, a person may try to pass blame from themselves to someone else before they can be charged with a RICO offense. In any of these situations, it is crucial to have a good lawyer on your side who can find evidence to prove that you were innocent if you did not do anything wrong. Even if you are guilty, your lawyer should have tactics to use in order to lessen the punishment significantly.
Hire a RICO Offenses Lawyer Right Away
You need to reach out to an experienced RICO offenses lawyer from Lorraine Gauli-Rufo, Esq. & Associates as soon as you are charged with a crime. Not only will your lawyer be able to start building your case, but he or she can also speak to others on your behalf and make sure you do not say anything incriminating about your case. Contact our law office today to set up a consultation.
What Does a Prosecutor Have to Prove Convict a Person of RICO?
In order to prove that someone is guilty of racketeering, the state must have sufficient evidence. They have to prove that the defendant participated in two or more instances of racketeering and that the defendant was involved in a criminal enterprise of interstate or foreign commerce.
What Are the Penalties for RICO?
If you are convinced of racketeering, you have to face some harsh penalties. This includes up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000. The government may also decide to seize your assets that were obtained through racketeering. If you caused another person financial harm by racketeering, the court may order you to pay that person restitution.
What Are Possible Defenses for RICO?
If you have been accused of RICO, you have the right to defend yourself. A skilled defense lawyer can review the details of your case and help you determine the appropriate defense. Possible defenses for RICO include mistaken identity, no pattern of racketeering activity and there was no criminal enterprise. If you did not intentionally take part in the criminal activity, that may also be used as a defense.
Additionally, charges may be dropped if law enforcement obtained evidence used against you in an illegal manner. They are required to follow specific protocols when looking for evidence.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Accused of Racketeering?
Getting charged with racketeering can be a nerve-wracking ordeal. You are worried about the possibility of going to jail and how this may affect your future. That is why it is important to consult a RICO offenses lawyer in New Jersey first and foremost. Do not try to negotiate a deal with the prosecution on your own, as that can backfire. A lawyer will ask you specific questions about your case and examine documents to help you establish the best possible defense. Make sure to answer each question truthfully.
A lawyer will provide you with sound legal advice and give you peace of mind. He or she will answer all of your questions and concerns. Your lawyer will handle all communication with the prosecution, so you do not have to worry about saying something they may use against you later on. If you have an experienced lawyer by your side, you may feel better about your situation.
