RICO charges are not ordinary criminal allegations. They are federal conspiracy prosecutions designed to expose defendants to extreme pressure, long prison sentences, and massive financial forfeiture.
If you are under investigation—or already charged—under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), you are facing one of the most aggressive tools in federal law enforcement’s arsenal. These cases are complex, document-heavy, and unforgiving to delay or missteps.
Whalen Law Office defends individuals accused of federal RICO violations across Texas and nationwide. We focus on high-stakes, multi-defendant federal cases where reputation, liberty, and livelihood are on the line.
Facing a Federal RICO Investigation or Indictment in Texas?
Many RICO clients contact us before charges are filed—after receiving:
- A federal target letter
- A grand jury subpoena
- A search warrant executed at a home or business
- Requests for interviews by federal agents
Others reach out after an indictment, often discovering that RICO allows prosecutors to charge peripheral conduct, sweep multiple defendants into a single conspiracy, and introduce evidence that would never stand alone in a traditional criminal case.
Federal agencies use RICO to:
- Aggregate conduct across years
- Leverage cooperating witnesses
- Threaten mandatory minimum sentences
- Seize assets and freeze accounts
- Force plea pressure through co-defendants
Early, strategic defense can determine whether a case escalates—or collapses.
What Makes RICO Charges So Dangerous
RICO was designed to expand criminal liability, not limit it. Prosecutors do not need to prove you committed every alleged act—only that you knowingly participated in an “enterprise” and that some members committed qualifying offenses.
Key risks include:
- Conspiracy liability, even without direct action
- Admission of otherwise inadmissible evidence
- Broad use of wiretaps, financial records, and informants
- Joint trials with multiple co-defendants
- Severe sentencing exposure if convicted
Strategic Defenses in Federal RICO Cases
Effective RICO defense requires more than listing generic legal defenses. It demands an understanding of how federal prosecutors actually build these cases.
Our defense strategies often focus on:
- Challenging the alleged enterprise
Exposing the lack of structure, continuity, or shared purpose required under RICO. - Breaking the conspiracy narrative
Limiting scope, isolating conduct, and preventing guilt-by-association. - Attacking cooperating witnesses
Informants in RICO cases often testify under extreme pressure. Their credibility matters. - Suppressing wiretaps and surveillance
Federal wiretap orders are powerful—but not invulnerable. - Severance and trial strategy
Preventing a client from being tried alongside higher-exposure defendants. - Financial and forensic challenges
RICO cases often rely on financial inference rather than direct proof.
Every RICO case is different. Cookie-cutter defense fails here.
Why Choose Whalen Law Office for RICO Defense?
RICO cases demand experience, restraint, and resolve.
Built for High-Stakes Federal Defense
We focus on complex federal prosecutions—not volume criminal work.
Defense-Only Perspective
Our practice is built entirely around defense strategy. We understand how federal prosecutors think because we confront them daily.
Comfortable Taking Cases to Trial
RICO cases are often won by preparation, not pleas. We prepare accordingly.
Nationwide Federal Reach
Although based in Texas, we defend federal clients across the United States.
Speak With a Texas RICO Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing a RICO investigation or indictment, waiting can cost you leverage. Statements are permanent. Documents are discoverable. Co-defendants may already be negotiating.
Protect yourself before the government defines the narrative.
Call (214) 368-2560 for a confidential consultation or contact Whalen Law Office online to begin building your defense.
Whalen Law Office – Frisco Location
9300 John Hickman Pkwy #501
Frisco, TX 75035
P: (214) 368-2560
