New York City RICO Defense Lawyer

New York City RICO Defens…

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) provides harsh penalties for people who perform illegal acts as part of a criminal organization. RICO charges focus primarily on racketeering activities and allow prosecutors to indict people for crimes that are committed as part of a criminal organization. A person who, within a 10 year period, has committed at least two acts drawn from a list of 35 different crimes can be charged with racketeering if the acts are allegedly related to a criminal enterprise.

RICO laws apply to legal and illegal businesses, meaning that drug traffickers and legitimate businesses can both be prosecuted under RICO.

Prosecutors may seek RICO charges for criminal activities related to:

  • Violations of state laws against gambling, murder, arson, kidnapping, robbery, bribery, extortion, dealing in obscene matter, or dealing in controlled substances
  • Acts of bribery, counterfeiting, theft, fraud, embezzlement, dealing in obscene matter, obstruction of justice, slavery, racketeering, gambling, murder-for-hire, and other offenses under Title 18 of the Federal Criminal Code
  • Embezzlement of union funds
  • Bankruptcy fraud or securities fraud
  • Drug trafficking
  • Money laundering and related offenses

A member of an enterprise that has committed at least two out of 35 crimes (27 federal crimes and 8 state crimes), known as predicate offenses, within a 10 year period can be indicted on RICO charges. Predicate offenses are related if they have a similar purpose, results, participants, victims, methods of commission, or are otherwise related.

Prosecutors in a RICO case may seek a pre-trial restraining order that seizes a defendant’s assets to prevent the transfer of property that could be subject to forfeiture. The statute also allows individuals who have been damaged by a racketeer to file a civil lawsuit seeking treble (triple) damages.

If you are under investigation or have been charged with RICO violations, you need an experienced, aggressive criminal defense lawyer on your side who can go toe-to-toe with the most aggressive prosecutors - and win.

Hope Lefeber - New York City RICO Defense

New York City federal criminal defense attorney Hope Lefeber has been defending people accused of crimes in federal court for more than 30 years. She is meticulous in her preparation and thorough in her analysis of every case she handles, and will vehemently defend your rights during the initial investigation, at pretrial negotiations, at trial or a guilty plea, and on appeal. Ms. Lefeber has earned a reputation as a fierce advocate whose clients are her top priority. She will personally handle every aspect of your case and will fight hard to protect your freedom and your rights.

Ms. Lefeber began her career as an enforcement attorney with the United States Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) where she learned first-hand how the government prepares and prosecutes cases. Today, she uses that experience to defend people who have been accused of crimes in federal court. She staunchly opposes government overreaching and prosecutorial over-charging and is passionately committed to keeping the government out of people’s lives.

Understanding Federal RICO Law

RICO is a complex federal statute that allows prosecutors to charge the leaders of an alleged criminal organization with crimes they may have ordered others to commit. The statute is a powerful tool that federal prosecutors use to target a broad range of activities that includes violent crimes as well as sophisticated financial schemes such as bribery, money laundering, and extortion.

In addition to criminal prosecution, RICO also provides for civil damages that can include treble (triple) damages and attorneys fees in business litigation.

People who have been accused of RICO violations must understand that they do not need to have personally conducted the affairs of the enterprise to be charged under RICO. Rather, it is enough that the RICO defendant agreed with someone who is an operator or manager in the alleged criminal enterprise to conduct the affairs of the criminal enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity .

Sophisticated, Aggressive Criminal Defense Against Racketeering Allegations

Drawing on her experience with the SEC and more than 30 years representing people accused of crimes in federal court, Ms. Lefeber has a deep understanding of federal law and knows how to successfully defend people accused of RICO violations.

Ms. Lefeber is highly regarded by her colleagues in the federal bar, federal judges, federal prosecutors, and her clients. She has received numerous accolades, represented high-profile clients including executives at Fortune 500 company executives, lawyers, doctors, businessmen and women, healthcare professionals and other professionals, lectured on federal criminal law topics, and been asked to appear on TV as a legal expert.

When Hope Lefeber is on your side, know that you have a fierce advocate who will do everything she can to protect you, your rights, and your freedom.

RICO charges are serious, and you need an experienced, knowledgeable, and aggressive federal criminal defense lawyer who will work hard to defend you. Hope Lefeber should be your first call. Contact Ms. Lefeber today to schedule a free, confidential consultation by calling 610-668-7927 or completing the online form.