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Racketeering Lawyer

Illegal gambling rings, drug trafficking, money laundering, counterfeiting, and fraud are all crimes on their own that each carry significant penalties for those convicted of them. However, even more serious charges can occur if law enforcement has reason to believe that the defendant is part of an organized crime ring; racketeering is a federal and state offense, and offers prosecutors a significant advantage in achieving long incarceration terms. If you were arrested for racketeering, or are being investigated for playing a part in organized crime, a racketeering lawyer can help you understand your options. At the Matassini Law Firm, P.A., we work closely with our clients to develop a defense strategy that they are comfortable with, and one that provides the highest chance of success.

What is Racketeering?

The federal Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) was enacted in 1970 to combat the mafia. Over the years, prosecutors have successfully used the law to put countless offenders behind bars, most having nothing to do with the mafia or the type of “organized crime” that is reflected in Hollywood. Under the RICO Act, offenders can be prosecuted if they were part of a criminal enterprise and they were involved with two or more predicate acts within a ten-year-long period. The penalties for being convicted include up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000—for each RICO violation/predicate act. As such, defendants often face life in prison. Examples of predicate acts include:

  • Embezzlement
  • Drug trafficking
  • Extortion
  • Robbery
  • Bribery
  • Arson
  • Theft
  • Securities fraud
  • Money laundering
  • Homicide
  • Human trafficking
  • Illegal arms trade
  • Kidnapping
  • Fraud
  • Cyber extortion 

It should be noted that you do not have to be directly involved in carrying out any particular predicate crime to be convicted under the RICO Act, you merely have to be involved in the organization.

Florida’s RICO Law

Florida has its own law that state prosecutors can use to put defendants in prison. Florida’s law requires that the two or more predicate criminal acts occur within five years of each other. However, defendants face up to 30 years for each act, as opposed to 20 years if they are tried in federal court. Regardless of where you are being prosecuted, you need to understand the serious nature of the charges against you, and seek out an attorney who has real experience defending against these types of allegations.

Call a Racketeering Lawyer Today

Racketeering is a serious federal and state offense. RICO laws offer prosecutors a wildly advantageous tool to prosecute individuals such as yourself, and both federal and state prosecutors have high conviction rates when it comes to organized crime. Whether you believe that your case merits such a term or not, you need to prepare yourself for the difficult fight ahead. However, we encourage you to hold out hope. There are many defense strategies to the types of offenses of which you are being accused. Getting started soon on your specific defense gives you the best chance at achieving a successful outcome. call a racketeering lawyer at The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. today at 813-217-5715 for a free consultation.

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The experience you need in your pursuit of justice

The greatest distinguishing feature among attorneys is their level of experience. Our firm has more than 60 years of legal experience, much of it spent in the courtroom at trial. As a result, our Tampa criminal defense lawyers rarely encounter an unfamiliar situation and can thoroughly answer your urgent questions. Our criminal defense practice features a board certified criminal trial lawyer and two former prosecutors with impressive knowledge of trial tactics and procedures.

The resources to provide quality representation for the length of your case

Whether your case involves a crime or injury, your attorney must be prepared to take the case all the way through trial to verdict. Many defense attorneys advance the cost of litigation, so they can only last so long before financial pressures start to mount. As a client, you have to wonder whether an attorney's advice to settle your case reflects the quality of the offer or their need to get paid. Fortunately, The Matassini Law Firm has the resources to pursue civil verdicts and settlements that reflect the actual value of your case.

Call our Tampa Bay criminal attorneys for a free consultation

A crisis in your life calls for capable and compassionate assistance. The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. addresses your needs all the way through the legal process. For your free initial confidential conference with one of our Tampa criminal defense attorneys, call us today at 813-217-5715 or contact us online.

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