Racketeering / RICO Dedicated Personal Advocacy

Racketeering & RICO Defense in Honolulu

Racketeering Defense Built Around the Specific Charges & Evidence

Racketeering allegations can combine multiple alleged criminal acts into a single, far-reaching prosecution. At Law Offices of Steve Cedillos, I have represented clients in criminal matters since 1994 and defend people facing white-collar matters in state and federal court.

My white-collar defense work includes allegations involving:

Bribery
Embezzlement
Fraud
Insider trading
Money laundering

RICO, short for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, allows federal prosecutors to pursue qualifying offenses allegedly connected to an organization or group. An investigation can begin well before an arrest or formal charge. I evaluate the facts, priorities, and potential consequences of each case rather than treating every accusation the same way.

Call (808) 201-0496 for a free consultation about racketeering and RICO defense in Honolulu.

Testing the Enterprise, Pattern & Predicate Acts

I begin by examining what the government claims happened and what conduct it attributes to the accused. That review may address the alleged enterprise, meaning the legal or informal organization connected to the conduct, and the alleged predicate acts, which are the qualifying offenses used to support a RICO charge. I also assess whether the prosecution can establish each element through admissible evidence.

A racketeering defense may involve close review of:

The charging documents: The indictment or complaint identifies the statutes, alleged participants, enterprise, and conduct at issue.
The alleged pattern: The relationship among the alleged acts and whether they form a qualifying pattern of racketeering activity may be disputed.
The procedural stage: Strategy depends on whether the case involves an investigation, indictment, pretrial litigation, or another stage.

I provide assertive advocacy while recognizing the pressure that consequential criminal charges can create. Clients can communicate with me in English or Spanish, ask questions, and discuss their options in a direct and confidential setting.

Steps to Take During a RICO Investigation

An investigation and an indictment are different procedural stages, but both call for prompt legal guidance. If investigators, agents, or prosecutors contact you, avoid making uninformed statements before speaking with counsel. What appears to be an informal conversation may concern conduct under active review.

An early case review can clarify:

The allegations: Identify the suspected conduct, alleged participants, and underlying accusations.
The forum: Determine whether the case involves federal law, Hawaii law, or both.
The next decisions: Address immediate questions about communications, court appearances, and the response to filed charges.

I give clients an opportunity to explain their concerns and understand the choices presented by the current stage of the case. I am available 24/7 when legal concerns develop outside conventional business hours.

Discuss a Racketeering Investigation or Charge in Confidence

The contact form provides another way to share information about a white-collar investigation or charge. I offer service in English and Spanish and can discuss the circumstances that brought you to this point.

Call (808) 201-0496 for a free consultation about your defense.

How Federal & Hawaii Law Define Racketeering

The federal statute applies to a pattern of racketeering activity connected to an enterprise. Federal law defines that pattern as at least two qualifying predicate acts, with the last occurring within 10 years of a prior act. Predicate acts are designated state or federal offenses identified in the statute, but alleging two acts alone doesn’t resolve every question about the existence of a qualifying pattern.

Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 842 addresses organized crime and is modeled on the federal law. Section 842-2 prohibits a person associated with an enterprise from conducting or participating in its affairs through racketeering activity or the collection of an unlawful debt. The provision charged and the allegations in the case determine the precise elements at issue.

Which Courts Hear Racketeering Cases in Honolulu

A case may arise under federal law, Hawaii law, or both. Federal prosecutions involving Honolulu and the wider state are heard in the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii in Honolulu. Hawaii maintains a separate racketeering statute under Chapter 842.

The charging authority and statute determine the court system, procedures, and potential penalties. A defense must account for the charging documents and applicable procedural rules rather than treating state and federal accusations as interchangeable.

Criminal Penalties, Forfeiture & Civil RICO Claims

A federal RICO conviction can carry a fine and imprisonment of up to 20 years. Life imprisonment may be available when the underlying offense carries a maximum life sentence. A conviction also carries mandatory forfeiture, which can place property linked to the offense at issue.

Hawaii Chapter 842 provides criminal penalties and forfeiture as well as civil remedies. The consequences in a criminal case depend on the statute, allegations, evidence, and ultimate outcome. Criminal RICO proceedings are brought by the government and can affect liberty and property interests.

Civil RICO is different. A private party alleging injury to business or property from a state racketeering violation may pursue damages, costs of suit, and a reasonable attorney fee. Hawaii civil RICO claims are subject to a six-year statute of limitations under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 657-1(4), but that deadline doesn’t define the timing or procedure of a criminal prosecution.

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Why Choose Law Offices of Steve Cedillos?

Tireless Representation
Mr. Cedillos works tirelessly on behalf of his clients, understanding the importance of achieving the best possible outcome in their legal matters.
Compassionate Advocacy
Whether negotiating an uncontested divorce or representing clients in court, Steve Cedillos advocates vigorously for his clients' interests to ensure they receive the outcome they deserve.
Specialized Military Defense
Attorney Cedillos specializes in military criminal defense, assisting clients with various proceedings from non-judicial punishment hearings to general courts-martial.
Client-Centered Approach
Mr. Cedillos takes a sincere interest in the success of his clients, prioritizing their needs and goals throughout the legal process.
Comprehensive Legal Expertise
With over 30 years of experience, Steve Cedillos offers expertise in both criminal defense and family law, handling a wide range of cases from DUIs to complex divorce proceedings.
Dedication to Clients
Steve Cedillos is committed to being a dedicated personal advocate for his clients, recognizing the significance of their cases and the impact on their futures.

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