Racketeering / RICO Defense in Lincoln

Trial-Ready Federal Defense for Complex RICO Allegations

A racketeering investigation can connect multiple people, transactions, and alleged offenses in one federal case. At Glasz Law, we provide federal criminal defense for clients in Lincoln and throughout Nebraska who are under investigation or facing a federal indictment.

Legal guidance may be critical before charges are filed. Federal agents or prosecutors may request an interview, records, or electronic devices. A person may also receive a target letter identifying them as a potential defendant. Before responding, it’s important to understand the government’s theory, the available evidence, and the conduct attributed to you.

Call (402) 624-4637 to discuss a RICO investigation, indictment, or related federal charge with our attorneys.

What the Government Must Prove in a Federal RICO Case

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act allows federal prosecutors to charge certain conduct connected to an alleged enterprise. An enterprise may be an organization, association, or group through which prosecutors claim the activity occurred. The government bears the burden of proving every required element beyond a reasonable doubt.

Substantive RICO Charges

For a substantive charge under Section 1962(c), prosecutors may need to establish an enterprise affecting interstate or foreign commerce, the defendant’s association with or employment by that enterprise, participation in its affairs, and a pattern of racketeering activity. A pattern requires at least two qualifying predicate acts within the statutory period, but two alleged acts alone don’t establish that a legally sufficient pattern exists.

The enterprise and the pattern are separate legal concepts, even when some evidence overlaps. We may examine whether prosecutors have adequately identified both and whether the evidence connects the accused person to the alleged conduct.

RICO Conspiracy

A RICO conspiracy charge may center on an alleged agreement to participate in an enterprise’s affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity. Because prosecutors may attribute different roles and conduct to each defendant, the accusations against one person shouldn’t be inferred from those made against others.

Predicate Acts & Related Federal Charges

Predicate acts are qualifying offenses used to support an alleged pattern of racketeering activity. Depending on the government’s theory, they may include drug trafficking, robbery, fraud, money laundering, extortion, firearms offenses, violence, or witness tampering.

A detailed review of the charging documents may address:

• The alleged enterprise: Its structure, members, purpose, and connection to interstate commerce.
• The charged time period: When the alleged conduct occurred and how prosecutors claim the acts are related.
• The predicate acts: Whether the alleged offenses qualify and what evidence supports each one.
• The individual’s role: The transactions, communications, or actions specifically attributed to that person.
• Additional counts: The separate elements and potential consequences of charges filed alongside the RICO count.