What’s Georgia criminal defense protocol when facing federal RICO charges?
A federal RICO charge is handled in federal court under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1961 to 1968, and there’s no Georgia “protocol” that replaces federal procedure. The law requires an enterprise, a pattern of at least two racketeering acts within ten years, and a link between the person and the enterprise.
Stages.
- Before charges. Target letter, grand jury subpoena, or a visit from agents. Counsel should handle contact. False statements are a crime, under 18 U.S.C. § 1001.
- Indictment and bond. Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3142. The government may seek detention.
- Asset restraint. Section 1963 allows forfeiture and pretrial freezing. Kaley v. United States (2014) limits the challenge when assets are needed to pay a lawyer.
- Discovery. Federal Rule 16, Brady, and Jencks. These cases come with huge volumes of records.
- Motions. Severance, suppression, and bill of particulars.
- Trial or plea. Up to 20 years per count, or life if the racketeering act carries life.
- Sentencing. Advisory Guidelines; 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).
Defense issues.
- Enterprise. Boyle v. United States (2009) sets a low bar: purpose, relationships, longevity.
- Pattern. Sedima and H.J. Inc. require continuity.
- Conduct. Reves v. Ernst & Young (1993) requires a part in directing the enterprise’s affairs for § 1962(c).
- Predicates. Each must be a listed offense.
Georgia’s own RICO, O.C.G.A. § 16-14-4, is broader and doesn’t require an enterprise for every count. A state case can run alongside it.
General information about Georgia law as of November 2026. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.