VCAR and RICO Violations
Representing RICO And VCAR Clients In Nashville And Nationwide
Few allegations under federal law carry penalties as sweeping and harsh as RICO and VCAR charges. Laws targeting Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) were designed by Congress to attack organized crime (often loan sharking or gang activity) by making it easier for the government to criminalize and prosecute the organization itself. Like conspiracy, the RICO laws allow the government to punish all members of an organization for the conduct of other participants so long as that illegal conduct can be linked to the organization’s common purpose.
Similarly, Congress designed the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (VCAR) statute (18 U.S.C. §1959) to complement the RICO statute (18 U.S.C. §§1961-1968) in prosecutions where the organization is alleged to have engaged in crimes of violence (often murders, attempted murders, assaults with deadly weapons, kidnappings, rapes, drug trafficking and firearms) as part of the organization’s purpose. These VCAR prosecutions usually carry life sentences and can carry the federal death penalty, if approved by the Department of Justice.
The Import Role Of Strong Defense Counsel
When facing RICO or VCAR charges, it is critically important to retain counsel who is not only well-versed in the complexities of federal criminal defense, but also who has experience litigating these types of cases. The stakes are extraordinarily high and the government will bring the full force of its immense resources to these prosecutions. Individuals facing these charges need counsel equipped to meet the unique challenges of these cases.
Frequently, these cases allege homicides (sometimes multiple homicides) and potentially trigger the federal death penalty. Ms. Hodde has handled the defense of several federal capital cases in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee and in other federal courts. She is extremely familiar with the demands placed on counsel for defendants in these cases and the tremendous stress these cases place on defendants and their families.
Attorney Kimberly Hodde of Hodde & Associates has successfully represented defendants facing RICO and VCAR prosecutions.
If your indictment alleges RICO and/or VCAR violations, you need an experienced federal criminal defense attorney with the skill and practical experience to help you deal with the charges. If you wish to discuss your case, contact defense lawyer Kimberly Hodde at 615-242-4200.
Contact Us
If you have questions regarding RICO and/or VCAR charges, contact Hodde & Associates. Kimberly S. Hodde can be available for evening and weekend appointments. Ms. Hodde is mindful that you may not have budgeted for funding your defense; so, under some circumstances, she will work with defendants and/or their families on a reasonable payment plan. The firm is conveniently located in a freestanding building on Music Row, just one mile from the federal courthouse with abundant free parking. Contact us at 615-242-4200.