2025 ULTIMATE GUIDE
TO FEDERAL RICO
DEFENSE
**18 U.S.C. § 1961 et seq.** | Racketeering Charges, Penalties, Elements, Defenses, Enterprises, Predicate Acts & Sentencing
**LibertyBell Law Group** | Los Angeles Central District | **Free Consultation: 855-529-7761** | **Beating RICO Cases Since 2010**
What is Federal RICO?
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act (18 U.S.C. §§ 1961–1968) is a powerful federal law enacted in 1970 to dismantle organized crime by targeting patterns of criminal activity within “enterprises” affecting interstate commerce. Originally aimed at the mafia, it’s now used against gangs, corporations, fraud rings, public corruption, and even nonprofits. A single RICO count can stack decades of penalties from multiple crimes into one charge.
Core Elements of a RICO Conviction
Prosecutors must prove ALL beyond reasonable doubt:
| Element | Definition | Defense Attack Points |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | Ongoing group (legal entity like corp/union OR “association-in-fact”: common purpose, relationships, longevity). | No structure; mere friends/acquaintances; defendant ≠ enterprise. |
| Pattern | ≥2 predicate acts within 10 years (excluding prison time); related + continuous/closed-ended threat. | Isolated acts; no continuity; >10 years gap. |
| Racketeering Activity | Specific “predicate” crimes (see below). | Acts don’t qualify; unproven; acquitted already. |
| Conduct/Participation | Defendant “directed” enterprise affairs through pattern (§1962(c) most common). | Outsider; no control/influence. |
| Interstate Commerce | Minimal effect (e.g., phone call, bank wire). | Purely local (rare win). |
Predicate Acts: The “35+ Crimes” List (18 U.S.C. §1961(1))
RICO requires at least 2 from ~100+ state/federal offenses. Full List:
State Crimes (Punishable >1 Year Imprisonment)
Murder, Kidnapping, Gambling, Arson, Robbery, Bribery, Extortion, Obscene Matter, Controlled Substances.
Key Federal Crimes
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fraud | Mail (§1341), Wire (§1343), Bank (§1344), ID (§1028), Access Devices (§1029). |
| Violence/Extortion | Hobbs Act (§1951), Murder-for-Hire (§1958). |
| Money Laundering | §§1956–1957. |
| Drugs/Guns | Trafficking, Straw Purchasing (§932). |
| Obstruction | Witness Tampering (§§1512–1513). |
| Human Trafficking | §§1581–1592. |
| Terrorism | §2332b(g)(5)(B) offenses. |
| Other | Counterfeiting, Child Exploitation (§§2251+), Copyright Theft (§2319). |
Prohibited Activities (18 U.S.C. §1962)
| Subsection | What’s Illegal |
|---|---|
| (a) | Invest racketeering $$ into legit business. |
| (b) | Acquire/control enterprise via racketeering. |
| (c) | Conduct enterprise affairs through pattern (90% of cases). |
| (d) | Conspire to do (a)–(c). |
Penalties & Forfeiture (18 U.S.C. §1963)
- Prison: 20 years max per count OR LIFE if predicate allows (e.g., murder).
- Fines: $250K (indiv)/$500K (org) OR 2x profits.
- Mandatory Forfeiture: All proceeds, enterprise interests, substitute assets.
- Supervised Release: 3 years–life.
- Restitution: Full victim losses.
• Base Level 19 (or higher from worst predicate).
• Group multiples; add role (+4 leader), obstruction.
• Career Offender: Life possible.
• Example: Wire fraud ring = 10–life; gang murders = life.
Top 10 RICO Defense Strategies
(Beats 80% of Cases Pre-Trial)
LibertyBell Law Group Success Rate: 95% Dismissal/Acquittal in Federal RICO
- No Enterprise: “Group of Individuals” fails Boyle test (no purpose/structure/longevity).
- No Pattern: Acts unrelated/isolated; no “continuity.”
- Predicate Fail: Challenge proof/chargeability; prior acquittal bars use.
- No Participation: Defendant outsider (Reves “button” test).
- Commerce Nexus: Zero interstate impact.
- Statute of Limitations: 5 years from last act.
- Withdrawal: Affirmative acts + time lapsed.
- Double Jeopardy: Prior convictions bar.
- Suppression: Illegal searches/wires.
- Plea Negotiate: Drop RICO for predicates (saves 10+ years).
Real Cases LibertyBell Beat
- LA Gang RICO: Dismissed 18 counts; client walked.
- Fraud Enterprise: Acquittal; $10M forfeiture avoided.
- Public Corruption: No-bill pre-indictment.
“Gina crushed the RICO—free in 6 months!” – Client X
Why Choose LibertyBell Law Group?
- ✅ Central District Specialists: Beat DOJ in LA Fed Court 50+ times.
- ✅ Free 24/7 Consult: 855-529-7761.
- ✅ Nationwide: CA, TX, FL.
- ✅ Results: Hundreds of RICO wins.
libertybelllaw.com | Don’t Wait—RICO Clock Ticks!
Sources: USSC 2025 Primer, DOJ Manual, 18 USC §§1961–1963. Updated Oct 30, 2025.
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