We represented two of eighteen defendants in a complex criminal RICO case in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court in 2019-2020. Eighteen defendants were charged with various crimes, including RICO and other serious felonies. Moreover, most of them were immigrants. Therefore, severe immigration consequences became important factors as well.
RICO refers to Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act enacted first by the US federal government, then by many states. The federal RICO was enacted in 1970 and applies only to illegal activity involving interstate or foreign commercial. Since then, many states have adopted laws based on the federal statute. These statutes provide for extended criminal penalties as well as civil lawsuit for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization. Acts include bribery, extortion, fraud, and murder. These laws allow the leaders of a syndicate to be tried for the crimes they ordered – this closed a perceived loophole that the boss did not actually commit the crime personally.
Since RICO is one of the most serious crimes, the burden of proof is onerous on criminal prosecutors, but if a prosecutor establishes a criminal RICO claim, the defendant goes to jail which may be for many years.
In this case, we obtained the desired results for our clients. We actively engaged the clients, filed all necessary motions, and conducted successful plea bargains. In the end, the clients did not go to jail, did not pay a fine, and received only very minor charges.
If you are charged, we can help. For legal issues, please contact us.