Smyrna RICO Lawyer

RICO

Top Rated RICO Attorney in Smyrna, GA

Facing a racketeering or RICO investigation requires immediate action. If you are under scrutiny or have already been formally charged, partnering with a competent Smyrna RICO lawyer is the most important step you can take to protect your future. At The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman, we provide the criminal defense you need.

Meet Lawrence J. Zimmerman: A Top-Rated RICO Lawyer at The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman

For more than twenty-five years, criminal defense lawyer Lawrence J. Zimmerman has protected individuals facing serious charges in both federal and state courts. While past results do not guarantee success with your case, his extensive track record includes obtaining acquittals in high-stakes cases and overturning convictions at the appellate level.

After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, Lawrence earned his law degree from Roger Williams University School of Law in Rhode Island. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, he relocated to Atlanta and launched his own independent law firm within six months of passing the Georgia bar exam.

He personalizes his legal advice for each client’s RICO matter, which means you can have your important questions answered by a knowledgeable legal professional. Reach out to learn more about our firm and to schedule an initial consultation.

Build Your Strong RICO Defense Today

Racketeering includes the illegal actions of an organization that it might not have actually committed itself. There are many different consequences that are included under the umbrella of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

Under RICO, individuals can face serious consequences for simply participating in, assisting, or ordering the commission of crimes on behalf of a syndicate or organized group. Facing a single count of racketeering can trigger prison sentences and massive financial penalties. These charges can also carry overlapping state-level racketeering consequences and civil consequences.

If you are facing a RICO allegation, immediately contact a seasoned criminal defense attorney. Working with a lawyer is an essential step to protecting your freedom.

Compelling Evidence

Defending against a RICO charge requires shifting the focus away from individual criminal acts and focusing instead on the structural elements of the law. For a conviction, prosecutors must prove: 

• An “enterprise” existed
• The defendant knowingly participated in it, and
• There was a continuous pattern of racketeering

Your attorney relies on evidence to systematically dismantle the state’s evidence to show your business operations were legitimate, there was a discrepancy in the financial and forensic accounting data, and digital data and communications are exculpatory.

Also, your attorney may be able to gather evidence for impeachment purposes and to show witnesses are biased. RICO cases are often built from testimony of cooperating co-defendants trying to save themselves. Your attorney may be able to locate evidence exposing a witness who has personal bias or a history of dishonesty, which can heavily diminish their credibility in front of a jury.

Reasons to Work With a Knowledgeable RICO Defense Lawyer

A conviction carries consequences extending far beyond a prison sentence—threatening your reputation, assets, and livelihood. RICO charges carry extremely high rates of conviction. The Bureau of Justice Statistics confirms that from 2012 to 2022, 4,698 people were investigated for RICO offenses. From 2018 to 2022, 1,214 individuals were prosecuted, 1,357 were convicted, 1,224 were sentenced to prison, while only 1,392 were adjudicated.

With this in mind, there is far too much at risk to represent yourself. You need an experienced lawyer who can offer reliable legal support. Every case is unique, which is why it is worth discussing yours with a Smyrna lawyer right away. Early intervention changes everything in a racketeering defense.

FAQs

Is a RICO Case Challenging?

A RICO case can be challenging because prosecutors often look for ways to prove someone is guilty by association. According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, federal prosecutors maintain an extremely high conviction rate of approximately 97.5% in RICO cases that were adjudicated. However, the single most effective way to protect yourself is to work with an attorney who is familiar with cases like yours.

What Percentage of RICO Cases Are Successful?

If you look at the percentage of federal RICO cases that are successful from the prosecution perspective, the conviction rate remains extremely high. The reason is likely because the Department of Justice does not quickly file racketeering charges without a thorough investigation.

However, hiring an experienced attorney fundamentally changes what a “successful outcome” for a RICO case looks like. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to either reduce your charges or have the charges dismissed outright in some situations.

How Serious Are RICO Charges?

RICO charges are quite serious because of the potential consequences a person or business may face if they are convicted. They can face prison time or financial penalties. Plus, if someone is convicted of a RICO violation plus another crime like money laundering, extortion, or wire fraud, a judge can stack the sentences consecutively. For these reasons, it is imperative that people take these charges seriously.

Do I Have to Hire a Lawyer If I Am Facing RICO Charges?

While you do not have to hire a lawyer if you are facing RICO charges, it is next to impossible to handle a RICO case alone. When your freedom is on the line, it is imperative you consider working with a skilled lawyer. In this country, there are already about 2 million individuals who are incarcerated in our 1,566 state and 98 federal prisons. You should partner with a lawyer who works hard so you do not end up in jail.

Hire a RICO Lawyer in Smyrna: Choose The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman

If you need to hire a RICO lawyer in Smyrna, The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman is here for you. Our Smyrna RICO attorney has a well-developed understanding of RICO laws, and he brings this knowledge to every RICO case. From Vinings Estates to Williams Park, Smyrna locals trust our office.

When you are facing a challenging situation and need representation, contact us to schedule your initial strategy planning session with a RICO lawyer to discuss either shutting down the RICO probe or your current RICO charges.