Violent and Organized Crimes
RICO Law | Norman Spencer Law Group PC

The RICO Act is used to prosecute organizations involved in violent and organized criminal activity. To secure a conviction, prosecutors must establish a pattern of racketeering activity, meaning at least two related predicate offenses were committed within a ten-year period. Unlike standalone criminal charges, RICO allows the government to target not only individuals but also entire groups and their leadership.

Violent crimes, including murder and aggravated assault, can lead to RICO charges when they are committed as part of a broader criminal organization. Examples include:

• Gang-Related Homicides: If a violent act is linked to a criminal organization, such as a street gang or a drug cartel, it can be prosecuted under RICO law.
• Contract Killings: Murder-for-hire schemes orchestrated by organized crime groups can serve as predicate offenses under RICO.
• Acts of Violence to Protect Criminal Interests: Threats, beatings, and violent retaliation committed to further an enterprise’s control over illegal activities may qualify as racketeering.

At Norman Spencer Law Group PC, we have seen RICO charges applied in cases where violence was used to maintain the operations of an alleged criminal organization. The prosecution often argues that violent acts serve to intimidate rivals, enforce debts, or silence witnesses, strengthening their case under RICO.

Extortion is a common charge in RICO cases, as it involves using threats, force, or intimidation to obtain money, property, or influence. Some forms of extortion that fall under RICO law include:

• Protection Rackets: Demanding payment from businesses in exchange for “protection” against threats created by the criminal group itself.
• Loan Sharking: Charging excessive interest rates on illegal loans and using threats of violence to enforce repayment.
• Blackmail: Using intimidation or coercion to manipulate individuals into making payments or providing services to a criminal organization.

Federal prosecutors often pursue RICO charges against groups engaged in long-term extortion schemes. At Norman Spencer Law Group PC, we carefully examine the details of each case to challenge whether the alleged conduct meets the legal standard for racketeering.

Drug trafficking is one of the most frequently prosecuted crimes under RICO law, particularly when a group operates a large-scale distribution network. Criminal enterprises involved in drug manufacturing, smuggling, and distribution can face RICO charges if:

• They engage in repeated acts of trafficking as part of an ongoing operation.
• The organization uses violence to enforce control over drug territories.
• Money laundering is involved in disguising drug proceeds as legitimate income.

Because drug-related crimes often involve multiple offenses across different states or jurisdictions, RICO law allows prosecutors to consolidate various charges into a single case. Norman Spencer Law Group PC understands the complexities of multi-state investigations and how they impact RICO prosecutions.

Human trafficking and forced labor cases can also be prosecuted under RICO when they involve organized networks operating across multiple locations. This includes:

• Sex Trafficking Rings: Criminal organizations that engage in the exploitation of individuals for commercial sex acts.
• Forced Labor Schemes: Enterprises that coerce or traffic individuals into illegal labor operations.
• Exploitation of Minors: Organizations involved in child exploitation or forced criminal activities.

Due to the severe nature of these offenses, RICO law provides prosecutors with a broad framework to charge those involved in such operations. Defendants in these cases face lengthy prison sentences and substantial financial penalties.

Defending against RICO charges requires a detailed examination of the prosecution’s evidence and a strategy focused on dismantling the government’s case. The legal team at Norman Spencer Law Group PC evaluates each case carefully, challenging allegations of organized crime involvement and disputing the pattern of racketeering activity.

1. Challenging the Criminal Enterprise Allegation – Prosecutors must prove that an ongoing organization existed to commit crimes. If there is no structured enterprise, RICO charges may not hold.
2. Disputing the Pattern of Racketeering Activity – If the alleged offenses are isolated incidents rather than a continuous operation, the prosecution’s case weakens.
3. Questioning the Predicate Offenses – If specific criminal acts are dismissed or disproven, the foundation of the RICO case collapses.
4. Demonstrating Lack of Involvement or Knowledge – Some defendants may have been wrongly associated with an organization without direct participation in criminal activities.
5. Challenging Asset Seizures and Civil Penalties – The government often seeks to seize assets early in a case, and these actions can be contested in court.

Each RICO case is unique, and at Norman Spencer Law Group PC, we develop defense strategies tailored to the circumstances of each client.