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Defending Federal Rico Charges
January 9, 2025
NYC Criminal Defense Lawyers
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:
Excellent 10 out of 10, Helped resolve my case. Jeremy explained everything and made everything easy to understand.
If you are looking for a lawyer that listens, is aggressive where needed, and holds his word above all else, Todd is the best pick. I had hired multiple attorneys prior to hiring the Spodek Group for a white collar case. The first thing that stood out to me was the cost, as anyone going through the process and dealing with the system, money was tight at that time - especially after hiring and firing multiple lawyers. The cost was not as high as others which was definitely a plus. Todd's intake process was also unlike other attorneys. He took the time to actually listen. He cared. He was trying to put himself in my shoes while I was explaining the situation to him and he really took the time to understand the whole situation. Other lawyers will give you 15 mins and send you a retainer agreement. Not Todd, I think he spent almost two hours with me as I was explaining everything.Not only was he great during the onboarding process, he was supportive and very informative through the entire plea process and eventually sentencing. After hiring him, I asked if I should hire a prison consultant, he told me to save my money as he would do everything they would. He was right and held up to his word. Later on I would hear from others that went with the prison consultants that they were a waste of money - I am glad I listened to Todd!When it came time for sentencing, two days prior to sentencing, the prosecutor tried increasing my proposed prison time by almost double - apparently a normal move. Todd and his team worked with me non-stop through the weekend prior to sentencing to ensure that I was not given additional prison time. Again, he took the time to listen and came up with a strategy to explain the case with great detail.Unfortunately, I did plead guilty as that was my best option. Todd and his whole team wrote up nearly 300 pages of a summary of what happened and why I should not be given prison time. If I breakdown the amount I spent with Todd versus the amount of work that I saw being done, I am shocked I was not charged four times as much. The other benefit was, a lot of criminal defense lawyers were just a single attorney with a paralegal or two. Todd had a team of people that I dealt with (5-7 people that I interacted with), but he was ALWAYS accessible. It would never take him more than an hour to reply unless he was in court.I was sentenced to prison and I was emotionally distraught. Todd and his team did whatever they could even after sentencing to make sure I was alright. He personally stayed in touch with my family to ensure I was doing alright and offered support to them. Most lawyers would consider the job complete at sentencing, not Todd.After prison, Todd still spent time with me to make sure I was on the right track and avoiding any potential risks in the future. He has also been giving advice on how to navigate probation etc and has not been looking at the clock for billing.Although I wish I had never been arrested in the first place, I am glad I had Todd and his team in my corner. Without them I likely would have had to spend a lot more time in prison than I did.Thank you, Todd, and the entire Spodek Law team, for helping turn what was a nightmare into a manageable situation!
I am immensely grateful to the entire team at Spodek Law Group for their unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise throughout my case. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, their professionalism and tireless advocacy made all the difference. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence in me every step of the way.Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we achieved a truly favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Not only did they navigate the complexities of my case with precision, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. I cannot recommend Spodek Law Group highly enough, especially attorneys Todd Spodek and Claire Banks; they are beacons of excellence in the legal profession.YSP.
Todd, Ralph and Alex are amazing. Helped my husband get from a double digit number with multiple charges to a single digit, by the time I blink he will be out. They very professional and help with all your needs. They dealt with my anxiety and worry very well and they understand that your family member needs to get home as soon as possible.
Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.
I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence.Thank you team!
I recently had Spodek Law Group represent me for a legal matter in NYC and I am thoroughly impressed with their services.Alex Zhik secured the best possible outcome for my case.It was a seamless journey from the initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter. From the moment I spoke to Todd about my case, his enthusiasm to help was evident, setting a positive tone for the entire experience. The efficiency and professionalism displayed by the team is commendable.A particularly noteworthy aspect of their service is their user-friendly portal to upload your documents/evidence. This not only simplified the process, but showcases their commitment to streamline the client experience.Lastly, in an industry where legal fees can often be a concern, I found their pricing to be very reasonable, making needing legal assistance feel accessible and stress-free.I am grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.