RICO and racketeering style conspiracy charges are among the most complex and high risk cases in the criminal system. Allegations of an ongoing enterprise, multiple people, and a pattern of crimes can create the impression that the government already has everything it needs. If you are under investigation or charged, you may feel like the case is already stacked against you.
At Lance Kennedy Law, we focus our work on serious state and federal criminal matters and we understand how these cases are built. Our founder is a former Assistant United States Attorney and former Assistant District Attorney, and our team includes multiple former prosecutors who now defend individuals. From our principal office in Austin, we represent clients facing life altering criminal exposure across Texas.
When agents appear at your home or business, when you receive a grand jury subpoena, or when you are served with an indictment, it is natural to feel pressure to explain yourself. What you do in the first days and weeks can significantly affect how your case develops. Our goal in the early stages is to prevent avoidable harm and to start shaping the path forward.
You do not have to navigate contact with law enforcement alone. Speaking with agents, even when you believe you have done nothing wrong, can create statements the government may later try to use against you. Conversations with co defendants, friends, or colleagues about the investigation can also complicate your position, especially if those people later cooperate with authorities.
If you are facing RICO or conspiracy allegations, these steps can help protect you:
Do not discuss the details of the investigation or charges with anyone other than your lawyer.
Do not delete texts, emails, or records, and do not destroy or alter documents or devices.
Do not agree to an interview with agents or investigators before you have spoken with defense counsel.
Gather any paperwork you have received, such as subpoenas, search warrants, or charging documents, and keep them together.
Contact a criminal defense firm with real federal and Texas trial experience to review your situation promptly.
When we meet with you, we review what has happened so far, including any searches, seizures, or statements. Because several of our attorneys previously prosecuted complex cases, we can often identify where your matter likely sits in the investigative timeline and what the government may be trying to achieve. From there, we work with you to decide how to respond, whether the priority is limiting exposure, challenging investigative steps, or preparing for a possible trial.
How RICO Cases Are Built & Challenged
To understand how we approach a RICO style case, it helps to understand what prosecutors try to prove. In general terms, they aim to show that there was an enterprise, that you were associated with it, and that you participated in a pattern of racketeering activity. They often connect events over many years to make the story seem larger than any single incident.
These cases are typically supported by multiple types of evidence. Investigators may rely on cooperators who hope to reduce their own liability, wiretaps and recordings, financial records, business documents, search warrants, social media, and location data. Agencies often work together, and each agency brings its own priorities and methods.
Our experience gives us a practical understanding of how investigations are organized and where mistakes can occur. In every serious case, our goal is to pressure test the government’s theory, identify leverage points for negotiation, and prepare a defense that is ready for trial if that becomes the best option.
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- Jenny B.
I highly recommend Lance for your legal needs.
“Lance Kennedy Law provided excellent service when I needed legal representation for a family member. Their communication was prompt, keeping me up to date on our case.”
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“He was very professional, answered all my questions in a timely matter. Even on the same day”
Yes. We represent clients in serious federal criminal matters that may include RICO or enterprise style allegations connected to the Austin area. Our team includes a former Assistant United States Attorney and other former prosecutors, and we draw on that experience when assessing federal indictments and investigative strategies.
What kind of prison time could I face?
Potential prison exposure depends on the specific statutes charged, alleged acts, your history, and guideline calculations. During an initial consultation, we review the indictment or investigation details and explain how courts typically evaluate sentencing in similar cases, so you understand the range of risk rather than guesses or rumors.
Agents already talked to me, what should I do now?
If agents have already interviewed you, the most important step is to speak with a criminal defense lawyer immediately. We review what was asked, what you said, and what documents or devices were taken. Then we assess how that contact fits into the larger investigation and plan next steps with you.
How will your team keep me informed?
In serious, long running cases, clear communication is essential. We work to explain developments in plain language, to prepare you before important hearings or decisions, and to respond to your questions directly. Our approach is straightforward and realistic, so you are never guessing about what is happening in your case.
Talk With Our Criminal Defense Team
If you or someone you care about is facing RICO or enterprise based conspiracy allegations, you do not have to sort through grand jury subpoenas, search warrants, or charging documents alone. Early legal advice can shape how charges are filed, how evidence is challenged, and how negotiations or trial preparation unfold.
At Lance Kennedy Law, our attorneys include former federal and Texas prosecutors, two Board Certified Criminal Law attorneys, and a team that has tried hundreds of jury trials across state and federal courts. From our office in Austin, we represent people across Texas who need a RICO defense lawyer with real courtroom experience and deep knowledge of how prosecutors build these cases.
If you were arrested for DWI, our firm can help you build a strategic defense to reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Some common legal strategies include:
Unlawful traffic stops. Police must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over, such as speeding or swerving. If the DWI stop was unlawful, we can challenge the evidence against you and fight for dismissed or reduced charges.
Lack of probable cause. Law enforcement must have probable cause to arrest you for DWI. If the officer arrested you without sufficient evidence of intoxication, we can file a motion to suppress all evidence gathered after the arrest.
Improper field sobriety tests. Standardized tests like the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand are frequently used to establish probable cause, but are often subjective and influenced by outside factors. We challenge the administration and accuracy of FSTs to prove they were improperly conducted or inconclusive.
Inaccurate chemical test results. Breath and blood tests can be inaccurate due to improper calibration or operator error. Medical conditions like diabetes and acid reflux can also mimic intoxication and cause false positives. We can identify any testing errors to dismiss inadmissible evidence from your case.
If you were charged with DWI on I-610, your driver’s license may be suspended unless you request an administrative license revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 days of your arrest. ALR cases are separate civil proceedings handled by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe can result in automatic license suspension, making it crucial to consult a knowledgeable DIW defense lawyer as soon as possible. Our lawyers can request an ALR hearing on your behalf and work tirelessly to restore your driving privileges.
No. While an aggravated DWI is not always a felony, it can elevate standard charges to a higher misdemeanor class or felony, depending on the specific aggravating factor involved.
We understand that facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and stressful. As dedicated federal criminal defense attorney with years of experience, I am committed to providing personalized legal counsel for your defense. My approach is tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring that you have an ally to help get your life back.
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Get a Free Case Review
Let’s discuss your case, your goals, and what strategies are right for you.
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Resolve Your Case
I will lead you every step of the way. Together, we will fight for a dismissal.
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Get Your Life Back
Work to get the best results possible so you can get your life back.
Choosing the right criminal defense attorney in Austin is an important decision. At Lance Kennedy Law, our criminal defense attorneys understand the weight of this choice and the trust you place in your legal representative. Our promise to you goes beyond just words, it’s a tangible commitment to excellence, transparency, and relentless advocacy as we navigate your case together.
