CONSPIRACY AND RICO CHARGES
How to Defend Yourself from Criminal Conspiracy and RICO Charges
As a criminal defendant, one of the easiest charges a federal prosecutor can levy against you is a conspiracy or a RICO charge. Unfortunately, though, these two charges can be incredibly dangerous and damaging to your case. If convicted, you could face several years in federal prison because of someone else’s crimes and malicious intent.
At the Kerns Law Group, we’ve made it our mission to defend people from baseless, and potentially damaging criminal charges like conspiracy and RICO. We’re dedicated to offering our first-rate legal counsel to defendants who’ve been charged with conspiracy and RICO crimes. If you’re facing one or both of these serious charges, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for a free consultation.
What is a conspiracy charge?
A conspiracy charge refers to the act of two or more people agreeing and planning to commit a crime together or separately. If a prosecutor can demonstrate to a judge or a jury that you have conspired with another person, then everything that your co-conspirator did can be counted against you, even if you were unaware of their intentions and actions. If a judge or a jury believes that your co-conspirators actions were reasonably foreseeable, then you will likely face similar charges as the co-conspirator if you’re convicted of conspiracy.
If you’re charged with conspiracy, it’s vital that you remain silent and only allow your attorney to speak on your behalf. Any statements you make, no matter how innocent you perceive them to be, can and will be used against you.
What is RICO?
RICO is an acronym for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. RICO is closely linked and related to conspiracy charges, and these charges, often given in tandem, are a prosecutor’s favorite weapon.
Originally designed to enable the federal government to better protect people from the violence of the Mafia, RICO charges are used against all sorts of people. We’ve seen doctors, business owners, stockbrokers, petty drug dealers, and other ordinary defendants get charged with conspiracy and RICO charges. Unfortunately, the practice of charging people with conspiracy and RICO has gone far beyond the original scope and intent of the law, with tragic consequences.
Have you been charged with a conspiracy or a RICO charge? It’s crucial that you remain silent and obtain experienced counsel and legal advice quickly. We can help. Call the Kerns Law Group today at 316-265-5511.
