05 / RICO & CONSPIRACY
A complex case.Your individual defense.
When allegations span several people, transactions, or years, the defense still needs to focus on the person accused.
Distinguish the allegations
RICO is the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Its provisions address prohibited activity involving an enterprise and racketeering, including conspiracy under the Act. A conspiracy allegation can also arise under other statutes without a RICO charge.
Those labels should not be used interchangeably. The charging document should identify the statute, the alleged agreement or enterprise, and the conduct the government attributes to the accused person.
Examine your alleged role
A large record may include communications, transactions, witness accounts, and events involving people with different roles. Counsel needs to distinguish evidence directed at one person from the broader narrative about a group.
Useful questions concern the time period, the conduct said to connect you to the allegation, and which records or witnesses the prosecution relies on. A shared acquaintance or workplace should not substitute for an analysis of what the government must prove.
Prepare for a coordinated proceeding
Cases involving several defendants can require careful organization of documents and court dates. Individual interests may differ, so questions about representation and communication should be addressed directly with counsel.
Joshua’s published practice background includes racketeering defense. Contact the firm with the court, the charge, and the next scheduled date. If you received a subpoena during an investigation rather than a filed charge, identify that distinction at the outset.
PREPARE FOR A CONVERSATION
A useful place to start.
- The statute or name of the alleged offense
- The court and next date
- Whether charges are filed or the matter is investigative
Begin with contact details and dates. Ask the firm how to provide any documents securely.
Your questions.
Are all conspiracy charges RICO cases?
No. Conspiracy can be charged under different statutes. The actual charging document is the starting point.
Can I contact the firm if other people have already been charged?
Yes. Explain your situation and any contact you received from investigators. Do not assume that another person’s charge establishes your status.
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR DEFENSE
A clearer next step.
Contact Joshua Adams about your matter and the availability of representation.
Please do not send confidential information before the firm confirms representation.
Contacting the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship.