RICO & VCAR Defense Attorney in Nashville, TN
Few allegations under federal law carry penalties as sweeping and harsh as RICO and VCAR charges. Congress designed the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) laws to target organized crime (often loan sharking or gang activity) by making it easier for the government to criminalize and prosecute the organization itself. Like conspiracy, RICO allows 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 Important 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 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 over a dozen federal capital cases in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee and in other federal courts. Her experience and training qualify her to serve as “learned counsel,” a special role as lead attorney and advisor on capital litigation. 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 MSS-Nashville and her excellent team have successfully represented defendants facing RICO and VCAR prosecutions. Both Ms. Hodde and her colleague, Benjamin (Ben) H. Perry, have represented defendants charged in these cases and have had trials lasting over 3 months. MSS-Nashville’s experience is unmatched in RICO, VICAR, and crime of violence prosecutions.
If your indictment alleges RICO and/or VICAR violations, you need an experienced federal criminal defense attorney with the skill and practical experience to help you deal with the charges. To discuss your case, contact Kim Hodde and MSS-Nashville at 615-242-4200.
Representing RICO And VCAR Clients in Nashville And Nationwide
As National Chair of Criminal Defense, Kim Hodde and her team at Meister Seelig & Schuster (MSS) represent individuals, businesses, and organizations in high-stakes RICO or VCAR charges throughout Tennessee and across the country. With offices in Tennessee, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and California, the firm is uniquely positioned to provide sophisticated, coordinated representation wherever federal or state criminal charges arise.
If you have questions regarding RICO and/or VCAR charges, contact Kim Hodde and MSS-Nashville. Kimberly S. Hodde can be available for evening and weekend appointments. Ms. Hodde understands you may not have budgeted for your defense; 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.