Criminal Defense Lawyers

Defending Federal Rico Charges

Defending Federal RICO Charges

Spodek Law Group
A Premier, Nationwide Criminal Defense Law Firm

Over 50 Years of Combined Experience Fighting For Clients Everywhere

If you’re on this page, it’s likely because you—or someone you love—might be dealing with a Federal RICO investigation or have already been charged. The stakes are high. A RICO case can potentially mean decades of prison time, massive fines, and forfeiture of assets. At Spodek Law Group, we know how stressful this is, and we’re here to guide you through every step of this complex process.

What is a Federal RICO Charge?

RICO—short for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act—is covered under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1961-1968. It’s one of the government’s most powerful weapons against alleged criminal enterprises. Whether they claim you’re part of an organized street gang, a corporate fraud ring, or any other group allegedly involved in “racketeering,” federal prosecutors will use RICO to link multiple offenses—like mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, or drug distribution—into a single indictment.

Here’s why that matters to you:

• Huge Sentencing Exposure: Federal sentencing guidelines can impose lengthy mandatory prison terms.
• Aggressive Investigation Tactics: The government often works on these cases for years, collecting electronic surveillance, financial records, and more, before you ever know you’re a target. By the time you know, it’s already over. The case is already made.
• Nationwide Authority: Federal prosecutors aren’t confined by state lines and frequently coordinate efforts across multiple jurisdictions.

If the Department of Justice sets its sights on you with a RICO charge, it’s a sign they’ve already gathered a mountain of evidence. But it doesn’t mean a conviction is guaranteed. That’s where having the best criminal defense lawyers becomes crucial.

Our Unique Approach to RICO Defense | RICO Defense Lawyers

At Spodek Law Group, we emphasize a client-first, hands-on approach—no matter where you are in the United States. We are dedicated to giving you the best possible service. Here’s what that looks like:

1. Immediate, Thorough Investigation
   • We have a team of investigators, forensic experts, and digital analysts to dissect every piece of the government’s case.
   • Our job is to find gaps, errors, or misrepresentations in the evidence that can weaken—or even completely dismantle—the prosecution’s RICO narrative.
2. Attacking the “Enterprise” Element
   • Under RICO, the government must prove you were part of a criminal enterprise. We’ll scrutinize every detail to show that what they’re calling a “criminal organization” might just be a loosely connected group—or a legitimate operation they’re misconstruing as illicit. This is about attacking the basic premise of what RICO is, and destroying that premise.
3. Breaking the “Pattern” of Racketeering
   • RICO charges hinge on alleged “predicate acts” forming a continuous pattern of criminal behavior. We fight to highlight how those acts might be isolated incidents—or that you weren’t involved at all.
   • If there’s no pattern, there’s no RICO charge, period.
4. Proactive Communication with Clients
   • We use a secure online digital portal, so you can track your case, upload documents, and message our team 24/7.
5. Strategic Negotiations & Trial-Readiness
   • While our first goal might be getting the charges dropped or reduced, we’re always ready to go to trial if that’s what it takes. Prosecutors know we don’t back down, and that leverage often leads to better plea offers.

Why Choose Spodek Law Group

If you’re reading this, you need help—fast. Here’s why we’re the right team for you:

• Over 50 Years of Combined Experience: We’ve been handling high-stakes, high-profile cases for decades. Our attorneys work on everything from small state misdemeanors to major federal indictments.
• Featured in Major Media: We’ve represented famous clients in cases that caught national attention—like Anna Delvey (Netflix’s “Inventing Anna”). Media outlets repeatedly turn to us for legal insights because they know our track record.
• Client-First Philosophy: Unlike many firms that churn out clients, we only take on cases we genuinely believe we can help. That means you get individualized attention from attorneys who care deeply about your future.
• Nationwide Reach: Federal charges can arise in any state. Our secure digital portal and nationwide network let us handle complex criminal cases no matter where you’re located.

Possible Defense Scenarios

We’ve tackled RICO charges in numerous contexts, so we’ve seen it all:

1. Corporate Fraud & Wire Fraud
   • Scenario: The government claims you used email, phone, or mail to defraud investors.
   • Defense: Show there was no specific intent to defraud—often by highlighting legitimate business operations, lack of personal gain, or incomplete evidence of any supposed scheme.
2. Allegations of Street-Level “Enterprise”
   • Scenario: Prosecutors say you’re part of a street gang involved in extortion, drug crimes, or robbery.
   • Defense: Emphasize you never directed or participated in enterprise activities. Mere association with certain people is not enough to convict you under RICO.
3. Online / E-Commerce Cases
   • Scenario: You run an online business. The feds claim you moved counterfeit goods or engaged in wire fraud.
   • Defense: Demonstrate that any suspicious transactions were anomalies, not part of a grand scheme. We also review every step of the supply chain for evidence of a legitimate misunderstanding.
4. Conspiracy & Multiple Defendants
   • Scenario: You’re named in a sweeping indictment with multiple co-defendants, accused of conspiring to run a criminal organization.
   • Defense: Spotlight the lack of true agreement on your part. The Supreme Court has repeatedly stated that “guilt by association” is not enough to prove conspiracy.

Double Jeopardy & State vs. Federal Charges

A lot of our clients worry about double jeopardy—being prosecuted twice for the same crime. Unfortunately, state and federal courts are considered separate sovereigns, so it’s possible to face parallel investigations. That’s why you need a federal defense law firm that also understands state prosecutions—so we can coordinate a cohesive defense strategy if you end up fighting battles on two fronts.

We Get It

Facing a Federal RICO charge is very scary. Your reputation, livelihood, and freedom are on the line. We don’t take this lightly. When you reach out to Spodek Law Group, you get a team that’s committed to:

• Listening to Your Story: Every detail matters.
• Crafting a Custom Defense: We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all.”
• Fighting Aggressively: We’re here to win.
• Being Transparent About Costs: We offer risk-free consultations to discuss your case. You deserve to know exactly where your money is going and how we’re using it to defend you.

Ready to Start Fighting Back?

At the end of the day, a RICO charge doesn’t mean it’s over—if you have the right legal team. We’ve handled some of the most challenging, high-profile criminal cases nationwide. We understand what’s at stake and will work tirelessly to deliver the best possible outcome, whether that’s a dismissal, a not-guilty verdict, or a significantly reduced sentence.

Call us today or reach out online for a risk-free consultation. We’re here 24/7, ready to jump into action. Let’s start building your defense and take the first steps toward putting this crisis behind you. We have one goal: Protect you—no matter what.