The RICO statute gives law enforcement very strong tools to punish organizations that engage in alleged systematic patterns of corruption. That includes the ability to freeze assets before any charge is filed or an arrest is made. Activities that might qualify a group for a RICO charge include illegal collection of debt through intimidation and other crimes that require organization. The government has wide latitude in prosecuting RICO charges, because anyone who derives any benefit, however small, from racketeering activities may be prosecuted. That means even someone who is only peripherally involved with a crime can be caught up in the prosecutors' net. If you're part of a RICO charge for an organization you aren't really a part of -- or were not aware of -- you should get help right away from a South Florida RICO criminal defense attorney.

RICO laws originated in Mafia prosecutions. RICO laws were created, in part, to harshly punish Mafia members because many other charges against them “didn’t stick.” Unfortunately, prosecutors often go past legislative intent and use the RICO statute to unduly punish many first-time offenders. If you believe you're being prosecuted under these laws incorrectly, you should talk to a Fort Lauderdale racketeering criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

David S. Seltzer is a Miami racketeering and RICO criminal defense attorney representing clients throughout South Florida. Don’t delay; let an experienced former prosecutor help protect your good name and reputation. I offer free, confidential consultations to all potential clients, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Call today or contact me online for a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION.

For additional information, see Florida Statutes, Chapter 895: OFFENSES CONCERNING RACKETEERING AND ILLEGAL DEBTS.