RICO and Gang Conspiracy Cases

WHAT IS RICO?

The "Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations" Act, or RICO, was a landmark piece of legislation passed by United States Congress in 1970. The initial goal of RICO was to financially cripple the Mafia. However, its use has expanded in recent years to target many other organizations. The RICO Act makes it possible to prosecute people who are involved in organized crime. This includes the punishment for people convicted of racketeering. In order for someone to be charged with racketeering under the RICO act, they must break two RICO laws within 10 years that are somehow related. For example, rape and murder are both crimes that can lead to someone being charged with racketeering, but only if it can be proven that they were done as part of organized crime activity. Because charges under RICO rely on proving a pattern of behavior instead of specific crimes, they are usually easier for prosecutors to prove in court. Most states also have RICO laws on the books to pursue state criminal charges in addition to potential federal criminal charges. If you are facing federal RICO charges, then it is critical to speak to an experienced federal criminal defense attorney.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF RICO CHARGES?

If someone is charged with racketeering under RICO, their assets can be frozen. This is meant to stop an accused from hiding their profits while the case is being processed. If an individual is found guilty, then he or she can go to prison for up to 20 years on each count of racketeering and they will have to forfeit all of their assets that are related to racketeering. In addition, the individual may also have to pay financial damages. RICO is designed to bankrupt organized criminals by making sure that legitimate businesses cannot be used as a shelter to launder illegally earned money. Civil claims can also be brought under RICO. This means that people who feel that they have been harmed due to racketeering can file money lawsuits against the person or people responsible. RICO charges can lead to significant financial penalties and severe constraints on an individual’s freedom, it is important to have the best possible legal help if you are in trouble with the law.

HOW CAN RICO APPLY TO GANG CONSPIRACY CASES?

Conspiracy cases are a favorite of federal prosecutors because of their ability to take down multiple people at once, all while not even having to prove that any of the alleged crimes of the conspiracy were actually committed. This comes especially handy when federal investigators target alleged gangs and gang activity. A recent public example of this involves the rappers Young Thug and Gunna, who were recently charged with racketeering under the Georgia RICO Act. It is alleged that Young Thug co-founded a violent street gang in Atlanta known as Young Slime Life. This gang is also known as YSL and is affiliated with the Bloods gang. It is alleged that Young Thug and others committed 181 different illegal acts under RICO dating back to 2013, including murder, drug, and weapons charges. The prosecutor has even gone so far as to include the lyrics used in rap songs as proposed evidence of these alleged crimes. Convictions for these crimes can result in as much as life in prison. Any acts that are considered to be in furtherance of YSL and its interests can be included in the RICO indictment. Instead of filing separate charges against separate individual’s, prosecutors here have decided to file a composite case with all alleged members and their activities in an effort to take down the entirety of the alleged gang and its purported leaders. 

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME?

Hopefully, none of this affects you. But if you are currently being investigated for alleged involvement in a gang, or have already been charged, then this can affect you directly. Investigation and enforcement related to conspiracy cases are a high priority for federal prosecutors across the country. If you need legal help, then be sure to speak to an experienced attorney right away.

FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION

At Bajoka Law we are proud to offer consultations that are both FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. We realize that RICO cases require the proper discretion, and we will treat your situation with the utmost care and caution. It’s time you started to retake control of your life. Feel free to contact us anytime at 1-844-4BAJOKA (1-844-422-5652). You can also contact us online here. We have three statewide offices to service you in Detroit, Lansing, and Warren MI. Your freedom could be a phone call away, but it is up to you to make that call. Our attorneys at Bajoka Law are available now to take your call and your case.