Racketeering Lawyer St. Louis

Racketeering Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

Facing racketeering or RICO-related charges in Missouri isn’t just intimidating—it’s life-altering. Whether you’re accused of participating in an organized crime ring or charged with multiple criminal offenses that fall under the RICO Act, your future is on the line. At Combs Waterkotte, our experienced St. Louis criminal defense lawyers aggressively defend individuals and businesses accused of racketeering. We dig deep into the evidence, challenge overbroad allegations, and fight to protect your freedom, your assets, and your name.

What Is Racketeering in Missouri?

Racketeering refers to a pattern of criminal activity—such as fraud, bribery, extortion, or money laundering—often linked to organized enterprises or criminal conspiracies. The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) is a federal law designed to combat organized crime. In Missouri, racketeering can be charged under state law or prosecuted federally.

Examples of racketeering activities include:

• Drug trafficking and distribution networks
• Extortion or blackmail schemes
• Illegal gambling or loan sharking operations
• Robbery
• Kidnapping
• White-collar crimes committed as part of a criminal organization
• Fraudulent business enterprises

To convict you of racketeering, prosecutors must prove an ongoing criminal enterprise and a pattern of at least two criminal acts within 10 years. That’s why these charges are often overreaching and complex—making it essential to retain a skilled defense team that can unravel them.

Penalties for Racketeering in Missouri

If convicted of racketeering, the consequences are severe. Charges can be prosecuted at the state or federal level, and the penalties may include:

• Up to 30 years in prison depending on underlying offenses
• Asset forfeiture—the government can seize property, cash, and vehicles tied to alleged criminal activity
• Steep fines and restitution
• Federal charges under RICO with additional prison exposure
• Probation and post-release restrictions

Even before trial, you may face aggressive asset freezes, damage to your reputation, and potential loss of professional licenses. Racketeering cases are high-stakes and high-pressure—don’t face them alone. Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Who is Commonly Charged Under RICO in Missouri?

The RICO act has a broad scope that allows prosecutors to pursue a wide range of defendants. While the statute was built to take down mafia networks, it’s increasingly applied to cases involving white-collar, public sector, and cyber-related crimes. Those frequently charged with RICO violations at both state and federal levels include:

• Organized Crime Affiliates: Individuals tied to traditional criminal enterprises—such as the mafia or syndicates involved in drug trafficking, extortion, or illegal gambling—were the original targets of the RICO Act. The law allows prosecutors to charge leaders for crimes committed by their associates.
• Public Officials & Government Employees: Corrupt politicians, law enforcement officers, and other public servants accused of accepting bribes, rigging contracts, or operating pay-to-play schemes may be charged under RICO for abusing public trust.
• Business Owners & Corporate Executives: When legitimate businesses are used as vehicles for money laundering, fraud, embezzlement, or bribery, owners and high-level executives may find themselves facing RICO charges—especially in cases of systemic corporate misconduct.
• Professionals Enabling Criminal Schemes: Attorneys, accountants, consultants, and others who knowingly assist illegal operations—such as by laundering money, falsifying records, or shielding illicit activity—can be prosecuted as part of a broader criminal enterprise.
• Street Gangs & Criminal Organizations: Law enforcement increasingly uses RICO to prosecute members of gangs or networks involved in ongoing drug trafficking, robbery, human trafficking, and other violent or financial crimes.
• Investment & Financial Fraudsters: Individuals running securities fraud, Ponzi schemes, or insurance scams may face RICO charges when their actions involve sustained patterns of deceit and multiple actors or entities.
• Healthcare Fraud Rings: Medical professionals who participate in widespread fraud, including false billing to Medicaid and Medicare, pill mills, or kickback schemes can also be charged under RICO if the operation spans multiple illegal acts over time.
• Cybercrime Groups: In today’s digital landscape, RICO is also applied to cybercriminal rings engaged in identity theft, hacking, phishing, and financial fraud. These schemes often involve coordinated actions by groups working across platforms or borders.
• Human Trafficking Networks: Those operating or contributing to organized trafficking rings—including recruiters, transporters, and facilitators—are subject to RICO when their actions form part of a larger criminal pattern.

Defending Racketeering Charges in St. Louis, MO

At Combs Waterkotte, we prepare racketeering cases for trial from day one. Our defense team investigates the evidence, challenges how prosecutors defined the “criminal enterprise,” and seeks to sever or reduce charges wherever possible. Defense strategies may include:

• No criminal enterprise: Demonstrating that the accused individuals acted independently—not as part of a group.
• Lack of pattern: Arguing that the alleged criminal acts do not show continuity or related purpose.
• Suppression of evidence: Moving to exclude illegally obtained surveillance, wiretaps, or digital records.
• Insufficient proof of intent: Prosecutors must show you knowingly participated in criminal activity.
• Pretrial motions: Filing to dismiss overly broad or vague indictments and reducing racketeering charges to lesser offenses.

We work with investigators, forensic accountants, and legal experts to build a strong and credible defense. Our goal: reduce exposure, protect your assets, and secure your future.