William G. Yarborough

Facts about the RICO Act in South Carolina

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The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act is a federal law that was enacted in 1970. The law is in place to prosecute people accused of racketeering, which involves organized white-collar crimes such as extortion, money laundering and fraud. Individuals or organizations may set up such schemes for profit, so the government uses the RICO Act to put a stop to these illegal activities.

How does the RICO Act work?

The RICO Act makes it easy for prosecutors to go after individuals or organizations involved in racketeering activities and white-collar crimes. The law allows prosecutors to seek civil penalties as well as criminal penalties against those involved in racketeering. However, it’s important to note that in order to get convicted of racketeering under the RICO Act, you must have committed two or more racketeering activities.

What are the consequences of getting convicted of racketeering?

If a person gets convicted of racketeering under the RICO Act, they can face criminal penalties, which can include imprisonment and fines. For instance, you can face a 20-year-long prison sentence as a result. In addition, a person who’s convicted of racketeering can get ordered to pay restitution to victims of the crimes as well as other penalties, such as forfeiture of assets. In addition, they may lose their ability to do business in the United States.

The RICO Act has been used to prosecute many white-collar crimes. If you’re convicted of racketeering under the RICO Act, you can face some serious penalties. This makes it important to mount a defense against the charges. You may be able to prove that you were unknowingly involved in illegal activities or coerced against your will into committing illegal acts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a lawyer?

If you have been charged with a crime, arrested, or under investigation then you need a lawyer.

When you’re charged with a crime, there may be potential penalties that you’re not aware of. But there are ways to defend against the charges, too. Your lawyer can strategize for your case. They can represent you in court and to the prosecutor, putting their expertise to work for you.

Even if the charges don’t seem significant now, they may affect you in the future. Your lawyer defends your freedom and your best interests. If you’re facing a criminal charge or police investigation, contact a criminal defense lawyer.

What steps should I take immediately to protect my rights?

If you’re arrested or charged with a crime, be polite – but don’t consent to any search. Politely say that you refuse to answer any questions. Don’t resist the law enforcement officer.

Exercise your right to remain silent. This includes law enforcement officers before and after the arrest. It also means not talking to others at the police station, your friends, extended family, and social media. The things you say can be used against you.

Ask to contact your lawyer. Then call us right away. We can represent you at your next court hearing. Save everything that you think may be relevant to the case.

How long will my case take?

Every case has a different timeline depending on the severity and facts of the case. Some criminal charges can be resolved in just a few weeks. Others can take several months.

As your lawyer, William G. Yarborough will help you balance the various factors. It can take time to build defenses and/or negotiate a favorable plea agreement. It may be worth it to wait to go to trial. Other times, it’s best to take a plea deal.

What’s right for you depends on multiple factors. Attorney Yarborough can advise you on what he thinks is your best course of action.

Will my case go to trial?

There may be non-trial options available to you. You may secure a plea bargain or a pre-trial case diversion. Sometimes, preliminary motions can result in charges being dismissed.

However, you always have the right to a trial. In a trial, the prosecutor must prove the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt.

Most cases don’t end up going to trial. But what matters is your case. Attorney Yarborough will work with you on a personalized case plan that reflects your interests and goals.

If your case does go to trial, Attorney William G. Yarborough is prepared to aggressively defend you in court.

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