Ohio Racketeering & RICO Defense Attorneys

Ohio White Collar Defense Attorneys

If you have been charged with violating the RICO Act in Ohio the white collar criminal defense attorneys at Yavitch & Palmer Co., L.P.A. have the experience, perseverance and the hardworking professional worth ethic you are looking for in legal representation. These charges are extremely severe and you owe it to yourself to have your case evaluated by highly competent and sharp white collar crime attorneys.

The RICO Act

The RICO Act, or Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, is a federal white collar crime law that issues long-term criminal punishments for activities that are executed by an active criminal organization. If you are part of an organization and have committed any two of 27 federal crimes or eight state crimes in a ten-year window you are in violation of the RICO Act. The Ohio state equivalent of a racketeering/RICO charge is called, "Engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity."

If convicted and a judge finds you guilty, you may face significant penalties. The purpose of these laws was to enhance punishment. Prior to these laws, a person could commit numerous crimes without significant consequence. For instance, if a person committed a serious of lower level felonies, the punishment was relatively light, even if the sentences were stacked together. But now the same series of felonies can result in an enhanced RICO charge resulting in a significant punishment. State and federal RICO convictions can also result in asset forfeitures and substantial financial sanctions.

The public often associates state and federal RICO charges with organized crime syndicates. But these laws can apply to everyone, even individuals.-

Common Racketeering Offenses

Numerous underlying state criminal laws can result in a racketeering charge. They can range from the most severe violent offense to lower level theft charges: 

• Murder
• Extortion
• Arson
• Robbery
• Gambling
• Kidnapping
• Bribery
• Engaging in obscene matter
• Theft

In addition to the above activities, federal law prohibits these as well:

• Embezzlement
• Fraud
• Slavery
• Counterfeiting
• Theft
• Obstruction of justice
• Money laundering
• Murder-for-hire
• Drug trafficking
• Bankruptcy
• Securities fraud
• Terrorist acts

If you face criminal charges in violation of the RICO Act in federal court or Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity in Ohio you need to consult an experienced white collar crime attorney in Ohio right away. Yavitch & Palmer Co., L.P.A. will aggressively fight to protect your legal rights and explore sound legal options for your case. Call us today at 877-221-0913 or fill out our online contact form.