New York RICO Defense Attorney

Protecting Your Rights with Expert RICO Defense

Facing a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) charge in New York can feel overwhelming. These charges carry severe penalties, ranging from long prison sentences to crippling fines and asset forfeiture. At Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP, we understand the gravity of RICO accusations and the complexities surrounding them. With our extensive experience in New York’s legal system, we’re here to provide the strong, strategic defense you need.

Our team of accomplished attorneys includes former judges, prosecutors, and public defenders, offering unparalleled insights and expertise to tackle even the toughest of cases. From scrutinizing evidence to challenging procedural missteps, we leave no stone unturned in your defense.

Call us today at (888) 779-0267 or fill out our online form to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step in safeguarding your future.

Understanding RICO Charges in New York

The RICO Act was designed to combat organized crime by targeting individuals and enterprises involved in a pattern of illegal activities. These charges are often complex, requiring prosecutors to prove not only individual crimes but also a larger pattern of racketeering activities connected to a criminal enterprise.

Key Elements of RICO Charges:

• Patterns of Racketeering Activity: Prosecutors must prove at least two acts of racketeering within a specific time period. Examples include fraud, bribery, money laundering, and extortion.
• Enterprise Connection: The accused must be directly involved in, or benefiting from, a structured criminal enterprise.

Unlike many other criminal charges, RICO cases often involve extensive investigations and a wide net of individuals or businesses. Whether you are accused of participating in criminal activities or simply associated with an enterprise, Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP is here to defend you with careful planning and in-depth legal insight.

Potential Penalties for RICO Convictions

The penalties for RICO convictions in New York are among the most severe in the criminal justice system. These cases are typically prosecuted as class B felonies, and potential penalties include:

• Prison Sentence: Up to 25 years per charge.
• Fines: Potentially triple the amount gained through criminal activities.
• Asset Forfeiture: Confiscation of properties, funds, or other assets connected to the alleged crimes.

Beyond these legal penalties, individuals face significant personal and professional consequences, such as reputational harm and difficulty finding future employment. At Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP, we focus not only on reducing or eliminating legal penalties but also on minimizing the collateral damage to your life and livelihood.

Why Choose Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP?

When facing RICO charges, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a team of experienced advocates committed to protecting your rights. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Unmatched Experience: Our team has over 200 years of combined legal expertise defending clients in complex criminal cases.
• Former Judges and Prosecutors: We leverage insider knowledge of how prosecutors and judges strategize, giving our clients a unique advantage.
• Comprehensive Defense Strategies: Whether it’s challenging the evidence, negotiating plea bargains, or litigating in court, we use every tool to build your case.
• Transparent and Compassionate Advocacy: We pride ourselves on honest, clear communication and personalized attention, so you’re informed and empowered throughout your case.

Our approach is grounded in thorough preparation and strategic foresight. By choosing us, you can trust that every detail of your case will be meticulously analyzed and addressed.

How We Build Your Defense

Successfully defending against RICO charges requires a multifaceted strategy. Common defense methods we employ include:

• Challenging Evidence: We scrutinize the validity and collection methods of the evidence presented against you, looking for errors or rights violations.
• Disputing Enterprise Claims: We analyze whether the alleged “enterprise” meets the legal definition required for RICO charges.
• Proving Lack of Intent: If the prosecution can’t prove that you knowingly participated in a criminal enterprise, charges may be reduced or dismissed.
• Filing Pre-Trial Motions: We aggressively challenge illegal search and seizure actions, reliability of witnesses, and procedural mistakes before the case goes to trial.

Our team’s proactive approach ensures that no detail is overlooked, strengthening your defense and increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Contact a New York RICO Defense Attorney Today

A RICO charge doesn’t have to define your future. At Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP, we are here to provide the skilled and strategic defense you need to protect your rights and your freedom. Our team is ready to stand with you every step of the way, offering clarity, strength, and relentless advocacy.

Call us today at (888) 779-0267 or complete our online form to schedule your private consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RICO Act?

The RICO Act, or Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, is a federal law designed to combat organized crime. It allows law enforcement to charge individuals and organizations involved in a pattern of racketeering activity, which can include a variety of criminal offenses such as fraud, money laundering, and bribery. A key aspect of RICO charges is proving a pattern of criminal behavior rather than isolated incidents.

Understanding the implications of being charged under the RICO Act is critical, as it opens up individuals and organizations to severe penalties, including asset forfeiture and extensive prison sentences. At Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP, we focus on dissecting these charges to identify vulnerabilities in the prosecution's case, offering diligent representation aimed at dismantling allegations of a criminal enterprise or pattern.

How Are RICO Charges Specific to New York?

New York is unique in its approach to RICO cases because both state-level and federal prosecutions can be pursued. The state's laws align with federal statutes but also provide the scope for additional state-specific charges. Local prosecution may involve collaboration between city, state, and federal agencies, making it vital to have a defense attorney familiar with multiple jurisdictions.

Importantly, New York's independent statutes on enterprise corruption reflect the state's strong stance against organized crime, sometimes resulting in parallel proceedings at different jurisdictional levels. Our firm's comprehensive understanding of these multifaceted legal landscapes allows us to anticipate prosecutorial strategies and effectively counter them, protecting your interests across all jurisdictions.

What Can I Expect During a RICO Investigation in New York?

In New York, RICO investigations are often thorough and wide-ranging, involving multiple agencies and extensive evidence gathering. They can be lengthy, extending over months or even years before charges are filed. During this time, your legal team will focus on examining the evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and preparing for a possible trial, all while protecting your rights and interests.

These investigations require sustained legal support and strategic foresight. At Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP, we prioritize early intervention, aiming to influence the direction of the investigation from an informed standpoint. Our team's ability to analyze vast amounts of evidence and proactively engage with investigative agencies ensures that your defense is built on solid ground, minimizing the potential of surprise developments or evidentiary surprises.

How Does Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP Handle Media in High-Profile Cases?

Our firm understands that media management is an essential component of defending high-profile RICO cases. We provide strategic advice to help mitigate negative publicity and work to manage public perception favorably. This is critical in maintaining your reputation and ensuring that public narratives do not influence potential jury pools or judicial processes.

In the context of a RICO investigation, media scrutiny can be intense and impactful. Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP supports clients in crafting appropriate public statements and managing interactions with journalists, while simultaneously focusing on the intricacies of legal defenses. We believe that managing media relations is integral to maintaining the integrity of the judicial process and protecting client reputations throughout the course of litigation.