Facing Organized Crime Charges? Protect Your Freedom Before It’s Too Late

Organized crime charges come with severe penalties, aggressive federal prosecution, and high-stakes legal battles. Law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, DEA, IRS, and state task forces devote extensive resources to investigating racketeering, financial fraud, drug trafficking, and conspiracy cases. These investigations often involve wiretaps, confidential informants, surveillance, and financial tracking, making them complex and difficult to fight without an experienced defense team.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we have a proven track record of defending individuals and businesses accused of organized crime-related offenses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We take on cases involving:

• RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) violations
• Conspiracy and money laundering
• Drug trafficking and distribution networks
• Extortion, bribery, and illegal gambling operations
• White-collar crimes tied to organized groups

Our firm provides an aggressive and strategic defense, ensuring that our clients’ constitutional rights are protected against government overreach and excessive prosecution. Whether you are under investigation or already facing charges, early intervention is critical to protecting your future.

If you are being investigated or charged with an organized crime offense, contact us immediately for a confidential consultation.

Why You Need an Aggressive Defense for Organized Crime Charges

Organized crime cases are high-stakes, complex prosecutions that often involve federal charges under RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act). Prosecutors use RICO laws to link multiple offenses together, allowing them to enhance sentencing and impose harsher penalties. These cases often involve months or years of surveillance, wiretaps, confidential informants, and financial investigations, making early legal intervention critical.

Common Organized Crime Charges

• Racketeering (RICO) Charges – Allegations of participating in an ongoing criminal enterprise, where multiple offenses are connected.
• Conspiracy & Criminal Enterprise Charges – Charges based on planning, facilitating, or directing illegal activities, even without direct involvement.
• Money Laundering – Accusations of hiding illicit funds through businesses or financial transactions to avoid detection.
• Extortion & Blackmail – Using threats, intimidation, or force to obtain money or services.
• Bribery & Public Corruption – Illegally influencing government officials or business dealings for financial gain.
• Financial & Securities Fraud – Crimes such as Ponzi schemes, insider trading, and bank fraud that involve large financial networks.
• Drug Trafficking & Distribution Networks – Large-scale narcotics operations that involve multiple jurisdictions.
• Illegal Gambling & Betting Rings – Unlicensed or fraudulent sports betting and underground gambling operations.
• Human Trafficking & Smuggling – Transporting individuals unlawfully for exploitation or financial gain.
• Firearms & Weapons Trafficking – The illegal sale, transport, or distribution of firearms across state or international borders.
• Cybercrime & Online Fraud – Hacking, identity theft, cryptocurrency fraud, and other tech-related crimes linked to criminal organizations.
• Murder, Assault & Organized Violence – Criminal acts that law enforcement associates with organized groups.

The High-Stakes Nature of These Cases

Organized crime cases often involve multiple defendants, and prosecutors pressure individuals to cooperate in exchange for reduced sentences. Without an experienced defense attorney, you could face lengthy prison sentences, asset forfeiture, and aggressive prosecution based on circumstantial evidence or unreliable informants.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we fight back against overreaching federal investigations, challenge weak evidence, and expose flaws in prosecution tactics. Our goal is to protect your rights, secure the best possible outcome, and prevent wrongful convictions.

If you are under investigation or facing organized crime charges, contact us immediately for a confidential consultation.

The High Cost of an Organized Crime Conviction—What’s at Stake

Organized crime charges come with some of the harshest penalties under state and federal law. Prosecutors stack multiple felony charges, seek maximum sentences, and use asset forfeiture laws to strip defendants of their financial resources. Without an aggressive defense, individuals accused of organized crime risk losing their freedom, property, and financial security for life.

Potential Penalties for Organized Crime Charges

• RICO Convictions – Up to 20 years in prison per racketeering offense, plus asset forfeiture, restitution, and massive financial penalties.
• Federal & State Criminal Sentences – Depending on the charges, a conviction can result in life imprisonment, particularly for violent crimes.
• Seizure of Assets – The government can freeze bank accounts, seize homes, businesses, and personal property—even before a conviction.
• Multiple Felony Convictions – Prosecutors often stack charges such as conspiracy, money laundering, and fraud, leading to decades in prison if convicted.
• Enhanced Sentencing for Repeat Offenders – Prior criminal records can trigger mandatory minimums and longer prison sentences, leaving little room for leniency.

How We Fight Back

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we take an aggressive and strategic approach to defending against organized crime allegations. We:

• Meticulously analyze the prosecution’s case to identify weaknesses.
• Challenge illegal searches, wiretaps, and surveillance evidence gathered through unconstitutional means.
• Expose unreliable witness testimony, including informants motivated by plea deals.
• Negotiate reduced charges or dismissal when the government’s case lacks merit.
• Build a strong defense for trial, ensuring our clients have the best chance at acquittal.

If you or someone you know is under investigation or facing organized crime charges, time is critical. Early intervention can mean the difference between freedom and a lifetime behind bars.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation and start building your defense.

Who We Help: Defending Your Freedom Against Organized Crime Allegations

• Individuals & Business Owners Accused of RICO Violations – We provide an aggressive defense for those accused of racketeering, criminal enterprise involvement, and money laundering. RICO charges often target legitimate business owners and professionals, making early legal intervention critical.
• Defendants Facing Federal Indictments for Organized Crime – Federal prosecutors pursue maximum penalties in organized crime cases, particularly those involving fraud, bribery, extortion, and financial crimes. We have the experience and resources to defend clients in high-stakes federal cases.
• Individuals Accused of Conspiracy in a Criminal Organization – Many people face charges simply due to associations or business relationships. We expose weak evidence and overreaching conspiracy allegations to protect our clients from wrongful prosecution.
• Clients Facing Asset Seizures & Forfeiture Proceedings – Federal and state governments aggressively seize property, freeze bank accounts, and take businesses in organized crime cases—even before a conviction. We fight against unlawful forfeitures and work to recover seized assets.
• People Under Investigation for Organized Crime Charges – If you have been subpoenaed for a grand jury, placed under surveillance, or contacted by law enforcement, you need a lawyer before speaking to authorities. We intervene early to protect your rights, prevent charges, and stop the case from escalating.

Protect Yourself Before It’s Too Late

Organized crime cases are complex, aggressively prosecuted, and carry severe penalties. Without an experienced defense, you risk years in prison, financial ruin, and a permanently damaged reputation.

If you are under investigation or facing organized crime charges, contact Ratliff Jackson LLP immediately for a confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a RICO charge?     
RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charges apply when prosecutors accuse an individual of participating in a criminal enterprise that engaged in illegal activities over time. These charges allow the government to combine multiple offenses into a single case, often resulting in longer sentences and asset forfeiture.

Can I be convicted just for knowing someone involved in organized crime?    
No, but conspiracy laws make it easier for prosecutors to link individuals to a criminal enterprise, even without direct involvement. Many RICO cases rely on guilt by association, which is why we aggressively challenge weak evidence and demand concrete proof of participation.

What are common defenses against organized crime charges?

• Lack of Evidence – The prosecution must prove a pattern of criminal activity within an enterprise, not just isolated incidents.
• Unlawful Wiretaps & Surveillance – If evidence was obtained through illegal searches, wiretaps, or tracking, it may be suppressed in court.
• Coerced Testimony & Informants – Many cases rely on questionable witnesses, confidential informants, or plea deals that lack credibility.
• Legitimate Business Activities – Many defendants own and operate legal businesses that are mischaracterized as criminal enterprises.

What should I do if I am under investigation for organized crime?

• Do NOT speak to law enforcement without an attorney present.
• Avoid discussing the case with anyone, including friends and business partners.
• Contact an organized crime defense lawyer immediately to develop a legal strategy and protect your rights.

How serious are RICO charges?    
RICO charges carry up to 20 years in prison per offense, along with seizure of assets, business shutdowns, and massive financial penalties. In some cases, life sentences are imposed for violent crimes connected to a RICO case.

Can the government seize my property before I’m convicted?  
Yes. Under federal asset forfeiture laws, the government can freeze bank accounts, seize property, and take business holdings before a conviction. Fighting these seizures requires an aggressive legal strategy to challenge unlawful forfeiture actions.

Are organized crime cases always prosecuted in federal court?
Not always. While many organized crime cases involve federal charges, some offenses—such as extortion, drug distribution, and financial crimes—can be prosecuted at the state level with equally severe penalties.

Can I be charged with RICO if I was only involved in one crime?        
Yes. RICO allows prosecutors to tie multiple crimes together, meaning even a single alleged act can be used as evidence of participation in a larger criminal enterprise. This is why RICO defense requires a highly strategic approach.

What should I do if I’ve been subpoenaed for a grand jury in an organized crime case?

• Do NOT testify without a lawyer—you may unknowingly incriminate yourself.
• Avoid speaking to law enforcement until you consult with an attorney.
• Call a defense lawyer immediately to determine your legal risks and potential defense options.

Why do I need an experienced organized crime defense lawyer?          
Organized crime cases are highly complex, often involving wiretaps, financial records, multiple defendants, and government informants. Prosecutors stack charges and push for maximum penalties, making it critical to have a defense team that can challenge weak evidence, fight against conspiracy charges, and protect your rights in and out of court.

If you are under investigation or facing organized crime charges, contact Ratliff Jackson LLP immediately for a confidential consultation.

Take the First Step to Protect Your Future

Organized crime charges can destroy reputations, businesses, and lives—but with the right defense, you can fight back. These cases often involve overreaching prosecutions, weak conspiracy allegations, and unconstitutional investigative tactics, all of which can be challenged in court. Without a strong legal team, you risk harsh federal sentencing, asset forfeiture, and lifelong consequences.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we provide aggressive, strategic defense for individuals facing RICO charges, conspiracy allegations, and federal organized crime prosecutions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Our team is committed to exposing weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, challenging illegal investigations, and fighting for dismissals or charge reductions.

The government moves fast in organized crime cases, freezing assets, pressuring co-defendants, and pushing for maximum sentences. You need an attorney who will act just as aggressively to protect your rights.

Contact us today for a confidential legal consultation and start building your defense before it’s too late.