New York RICO Attorneys
Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Defense Lawyers in New York
Passed in 1970, the Organized Crime Control Act (commonly called the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO) specifically targets the leaders of criminal organizations. Before this law, the leaders of criminal syndicates such as the mafia or other (predominantly) ethnically affiliated groups often escaped punishment, as prosecutors lacked evidence that any of the leaders personally committed any acts of extortion, murder, drug trafficking, prostitution, or gambling – though of course they ordered these things.
Since its adoption, RICO has allowed the prosecution (and in many cases conviction) of individuals including major mafia bosses, Catholic priests, Donald Trump, and the leaders of FIFA. Because RICO targets criminals who have facilitated and directed numerous other crimes, often including homicides and drug offenses, the penalties that attend a RICO conviction are steep: they generally include crippling fines and many years in prison.
RICO defenses are similar to those used for federal drug conspiracy charges. Your attorney can prove your factual innocence, demonstrate that there is insufficient evidence to prove guilt, demonstrate an illegal police procedure (such as unwarranted searches or wiretaps), or show that you (the defendant) lacked knowledge of the criminal activity.
Over 30 years of state and federal criminal defense experience
For over 30 years, the attorneys at Aiello & Cannick have represented clients facing RICO charges. With extensive knowledge of state and federal racketeering, and with the resources and cost-sensitivity to help all of our clients, our efforts have earned us a reputation for discretion, thoroughness, creativity, and hard work, evidenced by our catalog of victories both in and out of the courtroom.
Contact us today to set up a free case review and consultation in our Maspeth, Queens office. In the meantime, continue to explore the legal resources on our blog and videos pages.
