The federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 1961-1968, is a complex and confusing statute originally targeted at organized crime but used for many other purposes today. It not only provides severe criminal penalties but also authorizes private plaintiffs to sue defendants for treble damages. Many plaintiffs bring civil RICO cases against businesses that have defrauded them. A civil RICO claim is often the only way to bring a civil fraud case in federal court.
At David B. Smith, PLLC, our lawyers represent individuals and organizations that have been accused of racketeering in both criminal and civil proceedings.
Protecting the Rights of Clients Accused of Racketeering
The RICO statute defines four separate offenses related to participation in an “enterprise” that has been conducted through a “pattern of racketeering activity” (§ 1962(a)-(d)). The RICO statute is so vaguely written and complex that the courts have never agreed on its meaning.
Attorney David B. Smith is a nationally recognized authority on racketeering law who has co-authored, with Terry Reed, the frequently cited treatise, Civil RICO (2023), published by Matthew Bender. He has represented plaintiffs and defendants in civil RICO suits, prosecuted and defended a number of criminal RICO cases, and handled appeals in RICO cases.
Based in Alexandria, Virginia, and New York City, our firm litigates RICO cases and other federal criminal and quasi-criminal matters nationwide. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.