🕵️ Can Racketeering Charges Be Dropped in Florida?
If you’re facing racketeering charges in Florida, you’re likely wondering whether the State will drop or reduce the charge. As a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney, I recently helped a client navigate this exact situation—with a much better outcome than they expected.
⚖️ Case Study: From Racketeering to Grand Theft
My client had been charged with racketeering, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Naturally, they wanted to know:
“Can these charges be dropped?”
I told them: It’s possible—but it takes serious legal work.
After reviewing the evidence and pushing back through negotiation and legal motions, we convinced the State to reduce the racketeering charge to grand theft.
✅ The result: No prison time, just an extended probation period.
🎯 For a client originally facing decades behind bars, this was a win.
Facing racketeering or similar charges in south florida?
🔍 What Circumstances Could Lead to a Dropped Racketeering Charge?
Racketeering charges (often filed under Florida RICO statutes) are serious, but there are paths to dismissal or reduction, especially when:
- 📉 The evidence doesn’t clearly show a pattern of criminal activity
- 🔍 The alleged enterprise is not sufficiently defined
- 🗂️ The state fails to prove an ongoing criminal organization
- 🧾 The charges are based on vague financial or business records
- 💬 Witness testimony is weak or inconsistent
In some cases, your attorney may seek to suppress evidence, challenge the RICO predicate acts, or negotiate with prosecutors for a reduced charge or plea deal.
📞 Facing Racketeering Charges? Call a Defense Attorney Today.
Whether you’re under investigation or already charged, it’s crucial to act fast. Early intervention can lead to a stronger defense and better outcomes.
📲 Call Michael White, P.A. at (954) 270-0769 or contact us online for a free consultation. We handle racketeering and white-collar cases throughout Fort Lauderdale and South Florida.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions: Florida Racketeering Charges
Q1: Can racketeering charges be dropped in Florida?
A: Yes. Racketeering charges can be dropped or reduced if the defense can show weak evidence, procedural violations, or problems with how the State applied the RICO statute.
Q2: What is racketeering under Florida law?
A: Racketeering, or RICO, involves participating in a pattern of criminal activity through an enterprise. It’s often charged when multiple offenses are tied to organized crime or fraudulent business activity.
Q3: What are the penalties for racketeering in Florida?
A: Racketeering is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison, steep fines, restitution, and forfeiture of assets.
Q4: Can racketeering charges be reduced to a lesser offense?
A: Yes. A skilled defense lawyer may negotiate a reduction to a lesser felony like grand theft or fraud, especially if the evidence for ongoing criminal enterprise is weak.
Q5: What should I do if I’m charged with racketeering in Florida?
A: Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Early legal intervention improves your chances of getting charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved through a favorable plea.
