Illinois RICO Act Conspiracy Attorney • Chicago Racketeering Defense Attorney
The federal government adopted the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in 1970 as a legal device to increase the length of federal sentences for individuals convicted of crimes committed through a corporation or informal organization, called an "enterprise", including gangs and organized crime groups. In order to obtain a conviction under RICO, the federal prosecutor must show that a defendant participated in the "enterprise" by committing two or more related criminal offenses within 10 years and that the offenses are among the 'predicate' acts listed in the RICO statute.
RICO is a very complex and technical statute. If convicted of a RICO offense, federal prison sentences can often double. Successfully defending yourself from RICO charges means understanding the RICO statute and knowing what questions to investigate and analyze, including:
- Was there in fact an "enterprise" through which crimes were committed ?
- Was there the necessary connection called "continuity" between the two or more alleged criminal offenses?
- Do the alleged offenses actually qualify as "predicate acts"? Or did the prosecutor get the charges wrong?
- Did the charges stem from guilt-by-association with a larger group of individuals who were actually involved?
Attorney John M. Beal is recognized for his ability to thoroughly analyze RICO charges to protect the rights of individuals charged with such federal crimes. By accurately assessing the evidence and the specifics of the charges, he comes prepared to challenge the indictment, on the one hand, or, alternatively, to negotiate the best possible resolution of the case with the federal prosecutor, often including a dismissal of RICO charges or the lowest possible sentence. In trials, Mr. Beal has an excellent record on RICO charges and sentences.
If you are facing investigation or prosecution under the RICO Act, contact John Beal to discuss your case immediately. He has more than 20 years of federal criminal defense experience in all types of white collar offenses and other charges related to the RICO Act, including:
- Money laundering
- Federal bank embezzlement and bank fraud Wire and mail fraud
- Organized gambling
- Extortion
- Kidnapping and murder
- Federal drug crimes
RICO Appeals
If you have received a long sentence because of a prosecution under RICO sentencing guidelines, you will want to vigorously pursue an appeal. John Beal has extensive experience in all areas of federal appeals, including sentencing appeals and challenging RICO convictions. He is recognized for his careful legal analysis and his ability to present clear written and oral arguments to create the greatest likelihood of success in an appeal.
From his offices in Chicago, federal criminal defense lawyer John M. Beal represents clients in federal district courts and in the Federal appellate court for Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. He is also a member of the bar for the District of Columbia. Contact the law office of John M. Beal to discuss your federal criminal defense case today.
