Boston Racketeering (RICO) Attorney

In order for a person to be convicted of an RICO crime, the government must prove five things:

1. The presence of an Enterprise;
2. That the Enterprise’s activities affected commerce;
3. That the defendant was is employed or associated with the Enterprise;
4. That the defendant knowingly participated in the Enterprise;
5. That the defendant knowingly engaged in a pattern of racketeering on the Enterprise’s behalf.

It is not sufficient for the government to prove one or several of the five required elements. They must prove all five beyond a reasonable doubt against any/each defendant for a RICO conviction to stand.

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What are the Penalties of a RICO Conviction?

Being charged with racketeering or RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations), conspiracy, and/or substantive racketeering is frightening and very serious. The United States Government (federal prosecutors), prosecute these crimes with the utmost seriousness. If you are convicted in federal court of a racketeering conspiracy and/or a substantive RICO charge, you face up to 20 years in a federal correctional facility, and almost certain prison time.

You will also be subject to strict forfeiture provisions that may result in the seizure and loss of your real estate, personal property, business[es] and bank account(s). Substantial punitive fines will also be imposed and victim restitution is mandatory. RICO prosecutions are rare and complex. When facing racketeering charges, it is critical you not only know the potential consequences of a conviction, but that you also immediately consult with, and hire, a lawyer experienced in defending racketeering cases.

What is a Pattern of Racketeering Activity?

A “pattern of racketeering activity” is established when it is proven a defendant committed at least 2 of 35 specified criminal acts within a 10 year period of each other (one of which must have been committed after the 1970 enactment of the RICO statute), in connection with, or in furtherance of, the affairs of the subject Enterprise.

These specified criminal acts are collectively called Predicate Acts. There are 27 specified federal crimes that constitute predicate acts for purposes of a RICO prosecution and 8 specified state crimes.

More commonly alleged federal predicate crimes include:

• Mail fraud
• Wire fraud
• Money laundering
• Drug offenses
• Extortion
• Murder-for-hire
• Bribery
• Gambling
• Obstructing justice

The list of 8 specified state predicate crimes include:

• Murder
• Kidnapping
• Arson
• Robbery

To effectively defend against these elements and penalties, it is important to retain a lawyer who has years of trial experience and who is intimately familiar with federal criminal practice and procedure, but also, an attorney who has direct knowledge of how racketeering cases are prosecuted and how they should, and can be, defended.

Why Hire Our Boston Defense Attorney

Attorney Brad Bailey is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, New York, the United States District Court of Massachusetts, and in the United States Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit. He has also been admitted to practice law pro hac vice in NH, CT, NJ, MD, WI, AZ, and CA.

Additionally, Attorney Brad Bailey has:

• Served on Organized Crime Strike Force as Assistant US Attorney in Boston
• Never Lost a Trial as a Federal Prosecutor
• “Outstanding Prosecutor” – Highest Ranking for US District Attorney’s Office
• More than 25 years of experience in federal court
• Over 300 federal cases/clients National Top 100 Trial Lawyer
• Repeat Massachusetts Super Lawyer (including 2014)
• AV rated by Martindale Hubbell

Brad Bailey has the decades of experience, the extensive know-how, and the unparalleled experience, to defend you if you are accused of a racketeering offense. He has uniquely acquired a vast tool-set of skills that he will utilize to protect your interests, zealously defend you in court, and help clear your name and win you your freedom. Please do not hesitate to call the criminal defense team at Brad Bailey Law.

Contact (617) 500-0252 to discuss the details of your case today!