Miami Racketeering Lawyer

Counsel For State And Federal Racketeering Cases

The term “racketeering” comes from the word “racket,” which refers to an organization that derives profits through illegal activities. Because of state and federal laws to combat such conduct, individuals at all levels of an alleged corrupt organization can face criminal charges for their involvement in the enterprise. A wide range of offenses can be considered racketeering. Because of how serious these crimes are, the penalties upon a conviction are steep. If you have been accused of racketeering in Miami, do not hesitate to speak with an attorney about your case. These matters are very complex, and building a defense requires an in-depth examination of the case.

I am attorney Jonathan Blecher, and I am prepared to help fight your Miami racketeering charge. I understand that being accused of a criminal offense can be frightening and overwhelming. When you hire me, I will take care of the nuances of your case, researching relevant laws, closely looking at the prosecutor’s evidence, and developing a solid strategy on your behalf. Providing personalized legal representation, I will be beside you every step of the way. If you have a question or a concern or want clarification on the processes involved in resolving your case, I will be ready to provide the thorough and clear answer you need. I am here to zealously advocate on your behalf and can work toward obtaining an optimal result for you.

Reach out to me today by calling 305-321-3237 or submitting an online contact form. I offer a free initial case evaluation.

Florida’s Racketeering Law

In Florida, a person can face racketeering charges if they are involved with carrying out criminal activities for a corrupt organization. Specifically, Florida Statutes § 895.03 provides that a person may be prosecuted if they engage in specified behaviors related to a pattern of racketeering or the collection of unlawful debt.

Under Florida Statutes § 895.02, a pattern of racketeering means involvement in two or more activities, such as:

Florida’s racketeering law further provides that the following conduct may give rise to criminal charges:

  • Knowingly receiving illegally obtained funds and using them to either:
    • Acquire real property
    • Start or run a criminal enterprise
  • Gaining interests of or control over a criminal enterprise by engaging in racketeering.
  • Being employed by a criminal enterprise and participating in conduct carried out by the organization.
  • Conspiring to engage in any of the conduct listed above.

Anyone accused of racketeering in Florida faces a first-degree felony charge.

The penalties upon a conviction include:

  • Imprisonment for up to 30 years
  • A fine not to exceed $10,000

However, instead of imposing a fine as enumerated by Florida’s penalties law, a judge may order the defendant to pay up to three times the value of the proceeds earned or the loss caused by the racketeering activity, whichever is greater. Additionally, the defendant may be required to pay court costs and expenses related to the investigation of the offense.

Fighting a Miami racketeering charge requires a thorough understanding of the law and a keen eye for detail. As a former prosecutor with over 25 years of legal experience and a track record of results, I have the knowledge, skills, and insights necessary to challenge the accusations against you. I can explore every legal avenue to seek a favorable outcome on your behalf.

The Racketeer Influenced And Corrupt Organizations Act

In the 1970s, the U.S. enacted the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. It aimed to give federal prosecutors the tools to go after any person involved in a criminal enterprise, including lower-level workers and higher-level bosses.

Originally developed to combat crime arising from Mafia-related conduct, RICO is used nowadays to prosecute individuals in various organizations, including FIFA, the Hell’s Angels, and Wall Street traders.

Federal law identifies 35 different crimes as racketeering activities, including, but not limited to:

For a person to face RICO charges, they must have engaged in a pattern of racketeering on two or more occasions that occurred within 10 years of each other.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 1962, prohibited acts include knowingly receiving income through racketeering
or collection of an unlawful debt to:

  • Invest it in a criminal enterprise
  • Establish control of a criminal enterprise
  • Participate in the conduct of a criminal enterprise

If a person is convicted of a RICO offense, they could be imprisoned for not more than 20 years and/or fined. However, if the crime they were accused of carried a life sentence, the defendant could face a life term.

When the federal government pursues a criminal matter, law enforcement agents spend considerable time investigating the alleged offender. Once they have sufficient evidence, they then pass the case to a federal prosecutor, who will do everything in their legal power to obtain a conviction and seek maximum penalties.

Still, although the government may have evidence against someone, that does not mean their case is hopeless. It might not be sufficient evidence to link the individual to the crime or prove that they were actually associated with a criminal enterprise.

Whatever your situation, I am ready to dig deep into your case and uncover the truth. Understanding how the other side works, I am able to spot weaknesses in proof and identify where the strengths of my clients’ cases lie.

How A Miami Racketeering Lawyer Can Help

Whether falling under state or federal jurisdiction, criminal matters are complicated. A defense attorney can investigate your case, interview witnesses, file appropriate motions, and build a legal strategy for your specific situation. They can apply their education, experience, and skills to challenge the accusations against you.

As a racketeering attorney in Miami, I am here to fight for you in and out of court. Call me at 305-321-3237 or submit an online contact form to discuss your case.

Criminal Defense