Organized Crime & RICO Defense Attorneys in New York & New Jersey

Accused of Organized Crime? Protect Your Freedom and Reputation.

Organized crime charges are among the most serious criminal allegations in both New York and New Jersey. These cases often involve allegations of structured criminal enterprises operating across multiple people, businesses, or regions. Prosecutors may pursue charges under state law or federal law, including the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). A conviction can result in decades in prison, massive fines, forfeiture of assets, and long-lasting damage to your reputation.

What Constitutes Organized Crime?

Organized crime charges may include allegations of:

  • Racketeering or RICO violations
  • Money laundering
  • Extortion or loan sharking
  • Illegal gambling enterprises
  • Drug trafficking or smuggling networks
  • Wire fraud and mail fraud
  • Weapons trafficking
  • Conspiracy charges tied to organized activity

Organized Crime Laws in New York

New York law targets organized criminal enterprises through statutes addressing enterprise corruption (Penal Law §460). Penalties may include:

  • Enterprise Corruption (Class B Felony): Punishable by up to 25 years in prison and significant fines.
  • Associated crimes (extortion, larceny, bribery, gambling, or drug offenses) may be prosecuted alongside the corruption charge.

Organized Crime Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey prosecutes organized crime under state RICO laws (N.J.S.A. §2C:41). Penalties depend on the severity of the conduct:

  • First-Degree RICO Violations: Punishable by 10–20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000.
  • Asset Forfeiture: Courts may seize money, property, and assets believed to be tied to criminal enterprises.
  • Conspiracy Charges: Prosecutors frequently use conspiracy laws to tie multiple defendants to organized activity, even if individual involvement is minimal.

Federal RICO Prosecutions

In addition to state charges, many organized crime cases are prosecuted federally under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (18 U.S.C. §1961–1968). Federal RICO convictions carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison (or life if based on predicate crimes such as murder), forfeiture of property, and restitution to victims.

Collateral Consequences of an Organized Crime Conviction

  • Permanent criminal record for racketeering or corruption
  • Loss of professional licenses and disqualification from many industries
  • Asset forfeiture and financial ruin
  • Immigration consequences for non-citizens
  • Long-term damage to reputation and community standing

Defense Strategies

Defending organized crime allegations requires a skilled and aggressive approach. Strategies may include:

  • Challenging the existence of an “enterprise” or organized structure
  • Contesting whether alleged predicate crimes are connected
  • Suppressing unlawfully obtained wiretaps, surveillance, or search evidence
  • Demonstrating lack of intent or knowledge of the broader enterprise
  • Attacking conspiracy charges that attempt to sweep in minimal participation

Why Legal Representation Matters

Organized crime and RICO prosecutions are resource-heavy cases where prosecutors coordinate with multiple agencies, including the FBI, DEA, IRS, and state task forces. Without experienced defense counsel, defendants risk overwhelming evidence, severe penalties, and long prison terms. A knowledgeable organized crime defense attorney in New York or New Jersey can challenge the government’s case, protect your assets, and fight for the best possible outcome.