The recent nine-year prison sentence of a Buffalo man and former gang member on numerous offenses, including racketeering and drug and firearms charges, exemplifies the challenges that confront defendants when facing Racketeer Influenced and Corruptions Act (RICO) crimes.
A federal judge on Oct. 23 handed down the prison sentence against the 25-year-old man stemming from a several years-long investigation. He and 12 others convicted in the case schemed to sell drugs, commit robbery crimes, retaliate against any witnesses as well as commit assault. You can see that a stiff prison sentence is likely after a conviction.
Gambling, obstruction of justice
In this case, the former gang member had been charged with racketeering conspiracy, possession of firearms related to drug trafficking and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Racketeering is considered among the RICO crimes, which often are associated with organized criminal activity. Examples of racketeering include:
- Fraud
- Gambling
- Drug crimes
- Money laundering
- Obstruction of justice or a criminal investigation
- Murder for hire schemes
- Kidnapping
- Arson
- Bribery
- Extortion
When charged with a RICO crime, a person faces an uphill legal battle. Many such cases are federal offenses, while others are state crimes. Considering these circumstances, it is crucial to work with a skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.
You need a solid and effective legal ally to help you fight these charges in order to get the best possible results. An experienced trial-tested and attorney will work on getting the charges dismissed, reduced as well as represent you in a courtroom trial.