Michigan Business Litigation Attorney

Racketeering Lawyer in Michigan

Involvement in an illegal organization, or racket, is referred to as racketeering. RICO, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, imposes harsh criminal penalties on individuals who are involved in organized crime. Any individual or entity found to have committed two of twenty-seven specific criminal acts within a period of ten years may be charged with racketeering.

Although its original intent was to deter and penalize crimes in the mafia, its has become a tool to prosecute white collar criminals. RICO now affects the charges involving crimes such as credit card or tax fraud, counterfeiting, money laundering, false insurance claims, and fraudulent billing. In addition to criminal punishment for RICO charges, assets gained through racketeering must be forfeited and the plaintiff may also be able to sue you for attorney fees and other damages. If you are being charged with racketeering, your assets, your future, and your freedom are at risk. A skilled Michigan business lawyer may be able to help you avoid the consequences of a RICO conviction.

RICO Defense in Michigan

Each RICO charge could potentially result in up to 20 years in prison, and all property and financial interests thought to be illegally obtained can be seized and frozen prior to the trial itself. A capable defense attorney may be able to strike a favorable plea bargain or have the charges against you reduced or dropped. With the assistance of a skilled lawyer, you may be able to stop prosecutors from utilizing RICO as a means to make lesser or unrelated matters appear as criminal acts. If you are under investigation or have been arrested and charged with RICO violations, it is crucial that you retain a business litigation attorney as soon as possible.