If you have been arrested in the Orlando area and charged with a crime under Chapter 895 of the Florida statutes titled the “Florida RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization) Act.” You need zealous, experienced and aggressive representation right now!
“Racketeering activity” means to commit, to attempt to commit, to conspire to commit, or to solicit, coerce, or intimidate another person to commit crimes. Most of these crimes involve homicide, kidnapping, rape, fraud or drugs. But it can also include crimes relating to firearms, explosives, human trafficking and gambling. When you think of a RICO violation, think of all of the activities that Al Capone would have been involved in. Those are the types of crimes that the RICO laws are meant to prevent.
Anyone found guilty of a RICO violation is guilty of a first degree felony. This means you are facing up to 30 years in a Florida state prison. In addition there are civil fines in the amount of 3 times the amount earned by the act (for example: let’s say the State claims you made $100,000 in drug money. Your fine would be $300,000) and forfeiture of any vehicles, money, bank accounts and property the State claims you obtained through illegal means.
Most of the time this law is used to arrest suspected gang members. Anyone who has ever spoken to anyone in the gang can be arrested as a suspected RICO Defendant. Many times brothers or cousins of gang members who have attended movies or shows, or gone out to a club with a family member who is “known to law enforcement to be a gang enforcer” have been arrested under the RICO Act as participants when they are not themselves members of the gang. It does not take much for law enforcement to prove a “connection” between you and the activity they are trying to prosecute.
Don’t let yourself be railroaded by overzealous officers!! Law enforcement officers worry about their statistics and looking good in the public eye. So do state attorneys.
If you have been arrested under the RICO Act, hire an attorney who has time to dedicate to your defense. The defense attorneys at Finebloom & Haenel have over 30 years of combined experience in criminal law. We know the ins and outs of the system and we can provide an excellent and unique defense strategy for your situation. Do not delay! RICO violations have huge amounts of discovery and multiple co-defendants. Any delay could result in your losing material that could help you in your defense. Call the defense team of Finebloom & Haenel today. Our attorneys are available by phone 24/7 by calling 407-218-6277.
