Columbus Racketeering Attorney

Racketeering Offenses

Racketeering is the operation of a business that engages in criminal activities to make a profit. This organized group may also engage in extortion or bribery of public officials to prevent their business from being investigated or shut down. When the business itself is unlawful, it is referred to as a racket, such as a "numbers racket," which is a type of illegal daily lottery.

Racketeering involves many different types of offenses that are prosecuted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). If an individual or business commits two of the crimes named in the act within a 10-year period, they can be charged with racketeering.

The most advantageous time to retain a Columbus white collar crime lawyer, knowledgeable in RICO cases and federal crime defense, is when you first suspect you may be under investigation for a racketeering violation. This permits an experienced attorney from The Koffel Law Firm to thoroughly investigate the case against you and prepare an aggressive defense against the charges.

Defending White Collar Crimes

Racketing is a federal offense that is usually prosecuted by the Department of Justice. The laws originally targeted organized crime but are frequently used more broadly now to include counterfeiting, loan sharking, gambling, fraud, drug trafficking, prostitution and other crimes. Penalties for a conviction in a racketeering case can include fines up to $25,000 and 20 years in prison for each offense. Any profits or interest gained in the illegal business can be seized as well. Any person who suffered losses from the activity can also file a civil suit, to collect triple the amount of damages that would normally be awarded in such a case.

The firm has gained a reputation for its track record in securing "not guilty" verdicts for its clients, including successfully defending many individuals accused of white collar crimes such as racketeering.

Contact a Columbus racketeering attorney from the firm to find out your defense options when you have been charged with racketeering.