TAMPA RICO LAWYER

Common Types of RICO Crimes

RICO can be applied to a wide range of criminal activities, many involving illegal enterprises that operate over time and across multiple criminal acts. The law targets individuals and organizations engaged in patterns of racketeering, which means they commit repeated offenses connected to a larger criminal operation.

Below are some of the most common types of RICO offenses:

• Drug Trafficking – The illegal production, distribution, or sale of controlled substances. Drug trafficking is often tied to large-scale criminal operations that manage and profit from the drug trade.
• Money Laundering – The process of concealing the origins of illegally gained money, usually by moving it through a series of transactions to make it appear as legitimate income.
• Fraud – Fraudulent activities, including securities fraud, bank fraud, and insurance fraud, where individuals or organizations deceive others for financial gain.
• Extortion – The act of using threats or intimidation to obtain money, property, or services from others. This often involves the threat of harm or the use of force to manipulate victims.
• Illegal Gambling – Operating or participating in gambling activities that are not legally permitted, such as underground betting rings or unlicensed casinos.
• Bribery and Corruption – Offering or accepting bribes to influence decisions or actions, particularly within business or government sectors, often leading to illegal favors or actions.
• Identity Theft – Stealing someone’s personal information to commit fraud or other crimes, often for financial gain.

These offenses, among others, can be prosecuted under the RICO Act if they are part of a broader criminal enterprise. Whether committed by a street gang, a corrupt organization, or an illegal business operation, RICO laws provide powerful tools for authorities to dismantle these criminal networks.

RICO Charges in Florida

In Florida, individuals can face both state and federal RICO charges, each carrying its own penalties and procedures. While federal RICO charges are brought by federal prosecutors and apply to crimes that span multiple states or involve interstate commerce, the Florida Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (FRICO) applies to criminal activities that occur within the state.

Florida’s RICO laws are similar to the federal statute but have separate provisions that address local criminal enterprises. The Florida RICO Act specifically targets organized crime and patterns of criminal behavior involving at least two predicate offenses, which can include acts like drug trafficking, fraud, extortion, or money laundering.

Under the Florida RICO Act, prosecutors can pursue criminal charges against individuals or organizations involved in ongoing criminal enterprises. The law is designed to disrupt local criminal activity by holding individuals accountable for their participation in a broader pattern of racketeering.

A key feature of Florida’s RICO laws is that they apply not only to traditional organized crime groups, such as street gangs or drug cartels, but also to businesses or individuals involved in repeated criminal acts. For example, an individual involved in running an illegal gambling operation or a group using intimidation or fraud to control local businesses could be charged under Florida’s RICO statute. Local criminal organizations, like gangs involved in distributing illegal drugs or human trafficking rings, are also frequently targeted under FRICO charges.

What is the Minimum Sentence for a RICO Charge in Florida?

Under Florida law, RICO offenses do not typically come with a minimum sentence. Instead, these offenses are often prosecuted as first-degree felonies in Florida, which may entail a maximum of 30 years in prison.

Penalties can increase significantly based on the circumstances of the case, such as the nature of the underlying crimes, the defendant’s prior criminal history, and whether the offense involved violence or financial harm to victims. In addition to imprisonment, those convicted of a RICO violation in Florida may face substantial fines, restitution to victims, and the forfeiture of assets tied to the criminal enterprise.

Because RICO charges often involve multiple offenses and significant legal consequences, a strong criminal defense attorney like Andrew Buda is critical to challenging these allegations and seeking a reduced sentence or dismissal of charges. If you or someone you love is facing a RICO charge in Florida, contact Buda Law to schedule a free consultation with our experienced Tampa racketeering lawyer today.

Florida RICO Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for RICO charges in Florida is governed by the statute of limitations for the underlying criminal offenses involved in the racketeering activity. Generally, the statute of limitations for most felony charges in Florida is five years from the date the crime was committed.

In cases where the RICO violation involves a pattern of criminal activity over time, the statute of limitations begins running from the last criminal act rather than from the first. This means that even if some of the crimes occurred several years ago, a defendant could still be charged with a RICO violation as long as one of the criminal acts within the pattern occurred within the applicable statute of limitations period.