Money Laundering & Racketeering (RICO)

West Palm Beach Money Laundering & Racketeering Lawyer

Defending Money Laundering & RICO Charges in Palm Beach County

Federal prosecutors aggressively pursue money laundering and racketeering (RICO) charges against both individuals and legitimate businesses in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County. If you have been accused of money laundering, racketeering, or any related federal crime, it is crucial to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The Skier Law Firm, led by Scott Skier, is recognized throughout South Florida for its powerful defense strategies, deep understanding of federal law, and relentless commitment to protecting clients’ rights

Ready to schedule your confidential consultation? Contact us online or give us a call at (561) 264-6362 today for a free consultation.

Why Choose Scott Skier and The Skier Law Firm?

  • Proven Track Record:  Scott Skier has successfully defended countless clients facing federal criminal charges, including high-stakes RICO and money laundering cases.
  • National Recognition:  Frequently sought after for legal commentary and known for results in complex, high-profile matters.
  • Personalized Defense:  Each case receives individualized strategy, meticulous investigation, and aggressive advocacy in and out of court.
  • Local Focus:  Decades of experience with Palm Beach County courts, judges, and prosecutors—giving you the home field advantage.

If you are under investigation or have already been charged, call (561) 264-6362 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with a West Palm Beach money laundering and RICO defense lawyer.

“An outstanding criminal defense attorney. From the start, they were professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated to my case. They communicated clearly, fought hard on my behalf, and made a stressful situation much more manageable. Their expertise and commitment truly made a difference. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a top-notch defense lawyer!”

– Quinton Linwood

What Is a RICO Charge?

A RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charge is a serious federal offense targeting patterns of criminal activity within an enterprise. RICO cases often involve allegations of organized crime, but the statute is so broad that it is frequently applied to businesses and professionals accused of white-collar crimes or ongoing illegal conduct.

  • Racketeering Activity:  Includes bribery, extortion, money laundering, illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and more.
  • Pattern of Activity:  Prosecutors must show a continuous pattern of related criminal acts.
  • Enterprise:  Can be any group, company, association, or legitimate business tied to the alleged criminal activity.
  • Liability:  Applies to those who commit, aid, abet, or conspire in these activities—not just direct participants.

Conviction for racketeering can result in decades of prison time, devastating fines, asset forfeiture, and court orders that can cripple businesses and families. These are high-stakes cases that demand the expertise of a top-rated criminal defense attorney.

Money Laundering Defense

Money laundering involves attempting to conceal or disguise the source of funds obtained through illegal activities. Federal prosecutors have broad authority to charge money laundering, and many otherwise legitimate business activities can be targeted under this law.

Historically, criminal enterprises used cash-heavy businesses, like laundromats or salons, to “wash” illicit proceeds. Today, federal authorities use advanced technology and aggressive prosecution strategies to trace and seize assets in Palm Beach County and beyond.

  • Money Laundering Act:  Under 18 USC §1956 and §1957, participating in money laundering is a serious federal crime.
  • Front Businesses:  The government will scrutinize cash flow, bookkeeping, and operations—sometimes targeting innocent business owners in the process.
  • Impact:  The government may attempt to seize property, freeze bank accounts, and destroy a business’s reputation before trial.

An experienced West Palm Beach money laundering attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, challenge illegal searches, and negotiate with federal authorities to minimize or dismiss charges.

The Stakes: Why You Need a RICO & Money Laundering Attorney in Palm Beach County

Penalties for RICO and money laundering convictions are severe, including up to 20 years in prison for each count, hefty fines, and asset forfeiture. Businesses may be shut down, families can lose their livelihoods, and the government will use every resource at its disposal.

Federal prosecutors often overreach—charging gray-area business practices as criminal activity. You need a defense lawyer who will challenge every aspect of the government’s case and protect your rights at every stage.

Contact The Skier Law Firm, P.A.

Scott Skier and his legal team offer aggressive, strategic defense for money laundering and racketeering (RICO) cases in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County. Your future is too important to trust to anyone but a top West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer.

Contact us online or call (561) 264-6362 now to discuss your case and put a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney on your side.

Racketeering (RICO)

The federal RICO Act was also adopted to prosecute Mafia activities in the 1970s. It provides for enhanced criminal penalties for activity as part of concerted criminal enterprises.  RICO law prohibits a multitude of criminal activities which are defined under 18 U.S.C. § 1961, including:

  • Robbery
  • Bribery
  • Extortion
  • Gambling
  • Murder
  • Kidnapping
  • Dealing in a controlled substance
  • Bankruptcy fraud
  • Securities fraud
  • Obstruction of justice

To be convicted, a defendant must have committed at least two acts of racketeering which cannot be more than 10 years apart. In other words, there must be a pattern of activity, and not an isolated criminal act.

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