Lawyer for RICO Crime Charges in TX
RICO charges can be brought up against any organized group that has been involved in crime. The name stands for Racketeer Influenced Criminal Organization and while the law was originally enacted to help fight mobsters, it has been widely expanded. In recent years, these charges have even been brought up against a whole police force found to be offering protection services to drug cartels. The law is exceptionally complex and those facing charges require an expert Houston federal lawyer.
Punishments for RICO violations can be exceptionally severe because the law was intended to help dismantle large-scale criminal enterprises. If you are brought up on these charges, you may face up to twenty years of prison for each charge you are convicted of. You will often face these penalties on top of other charges for illegal activities. It is not uncommon for people convicted of RICO charges to end up spending the rest of their lives in jail. Your Houston RICO crime defense attorney can mean the difference between a lifetime of freedom and a life sentence.
Additionally, the government may seize any property it believes to have been derived from the racketeering activities. After that, victims of the racket are permitted to sue for damages in civil court and collect three times the damages they suffered. As you can see, it is of the utmost importance you do not lose at a RICO trial for this reason, it is absolutely crucial you hire a Houston RICO crime defense lawyer to help defend you.
To be convicted of RICO charges, the prosecution must prove that you are involved in a group that knowingly committed at least two criminal acts within a ten year period. Your Houston federal criminal lawyer can help show that you either were not involved with the group or that you had no idea about the illegal activities they conducted.
When you are facing RICO accusations, it is important to speak with The Law Offices of Nathan Mays . Our federal criminal defense in Houston is second to none. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
