Getting charged with a RICO violation in Fort Worth, TX, is not like facing a typical criminal case. These charges involve complex allegations related to organized crime or ongoing criminal activity. Prosecutors use RICO laws to build cases with layers of evidence, sometimes reaching back years. As a defendant, you’ll be up against teams of investigators and serious penalties if convicted in Fort Worth, Texas.
You need a defense attorney who is ready to protect your rights at every stage. Contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers at (682) 777-3336 to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth RICO charges attorney. We have 60 years of combined experience and will work hard to secure a favorable outcome on your behalf.
How Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help if You’re Facing RICO Charges in Fort Worth, Texas
If you’ve been charged with RICO violations, you need a defense team with experience in complex cases like these. Here’s how our Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys can help:
- Our lawyers analyze each transaction, wiretap, and business deal to separate your actions from those of others, challenging the idea that you were part of a larger criminal group.
- We work with financial and forensic experts to question every detail of the government’s investigation, from bank records to phone logs.
- Our team is prepared for plea negotiations or trial, keeping open every path for a dismissal, a reduction of charges, or a not-guilty verdict.
Having attorneys who understand the stakes and the unique legal challenges of RICO cases gives you the support you need in Fort Worth, Texas. We’re qualified to help you every step of the way. Call today for a free consultation.
Overview of RICO Charges in Texas
RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charges may be brought on both the federal and state levels, depending on the case. In Texas, these laws target people accused of getting money through organized illegal conduct. This could mean involvement in things like stealing, fraud, threats, or misusing company assets.
Under Texas’s RICO law, racketeering can include almost any ongoing criminal scheme, including actions by groups or companies that hurt employees or disrupt lawful activities.
Prosecutors do not have to prove that a person committed every crime in the organization. It’s enough to show that someone helped run, controlled, or took part in a criminal group that was involved in racketeering. This means you can face charges even if you did not personally carry out every act or were only loosely linked to the bigger operation.
What Are the Penalties for RICO Charges in Fort Worth, Texas?
RICO charges in Texas are usually felonies, and they carry some of the harshest punishments available under the law. A guilty verdict can mean spending the rest of your life in prison. Fines can reach $250,000 or even higher, as the court can decide to take twice the amount of money made through the illegal activity.
The government also has the power to go after any property or assets connected to the crime. This means they can freeze bank accounts, seize cars or homes, and prevent you from touching any money linked to the organization, even after your sentence is served.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested on RICO Charges in Texas?
If you are facing RICO charges in Texas, the right defense can make all the difference. Here are some defenses that can be used in these complex cases:
Lack of Involvement in a Criminal Enterprise
One of the main requirements in a RICO case is proving you were part of a group acting together in a criminal way. Your criminal defense lawyer can show you were not actually involved in ongoing illegal conduct or decision-making within the organization.
No Pattern of Criminal Activity
RICO requires proof of a pattern, not just a one-time crime. It’s possible to argue there was no ongoing activity, only an isolated incident, and that prosecutors are stretching the facts to fit the charges.
Insufficient Evidence
Prosecutors build state and federal RICO cases with lots of documents and witness statements. If there are gaps, contradictions, or missing links in their evidence, your attorney can challenge whether the government really proved each element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lack of Intent or Knowledge
You cannot be found guilty for simply being near or associated with people who break the law. If you didn’t know criminal acts were happening, or you didn’t share their intent, your lawyer can argue you should not be found responsible for other people’s actions.
An experienced lawyer will help you choose the right defense for your case.
A RICO charge in Fort Worth, TX, brings pressure and uncertainty that few criminal cases match. State and federal prosecutors will dig into your personal life, business records, and associates, looking for any pattern that fits their narrative. The penalties for a conviction can be life-changing and affect your finances, freedom, and reputation, sometimes before the case ever reaches trial.
Navigating a case like this requires legal experience and a commitment to fight back at every turn. We’re here to help. Contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Fort Worth RICO charges lawyer.
