Federal Gang Crimes

Federal Gang Crimes: How Josh Tomsheck of Hofland & Tomsheck Can Defend You Against Federal Gang Crime Charges

Federal gang crime charges often involve violent offenses and organized criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, racketeering, and conspiracy, which are carried out by gangs and criminal organizations. These charges are aggressively prosecuted by federal authorities, particularly under laws like the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Convictions for federal gang crimes can lead to severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, and the forfeiture of assets.

If you or someone you know is facing federal gang crime charges, it is crucial to have an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of federal laws governing gangrelated offenses. Josh Tomsheck, a nationally Board-Certified criminal defense attorney with Hofland & Tomsheck, has successfully defended clients against federal gang crime charges. His expertise in federal law and his commitment to his clients make him a strong advocate in these serious cases.

Understanding Federal Gang Crime Laws

Federal gang crimes are prosecuted under several statutes, depending on the nature of the offense and the involvement of organized crime. These laws are designed to target not only individuals but also the criminal organizations responsible for orchestrating illegal activities.

• Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act (18 U.S.C. § 1961): The RICO Act is one of the most powerful tools used by federal prosecutors to combat organized crime and gang activity. It allows the government to charge individuals and groups with crimes ranging from drug trafficking to murder if those crimes are part of a larger criminal enterprise.
• Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. § 1959): This statute criminalizes acts of violence committed in furtherance of racketeering activities, such as murder, assault, kidnapping, and extortion, when carried out by gang members or associates of a criminal organization.
• Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses: Gang crimes often involve drug trafficking and the use of firearms in furtherance of criminal activities. Federal statutes such as 21 U.S.C. § 841 (drug trafficking) and 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (firearms offenses) impose heavy penalties on gang members involved in these crimes.

Penalties for Federal Gang Crime Convictions

Federal gang crime convictions carry some of the harshest penalties in the U.S. criminal justice system. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature of the crime, the defendant’s role in the gang, and whether the gang is involved in an ongoing criminal enterprise.

• Long-term Imprisonment: Defendants convicted of federal gang crimes under the RICO Act or related statutes can face sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison, especially in cases involving violent crimes, drug trafficking, or the leadership of a criminal organization.
• Fines: Gang crime convictions can result in significant fines, often in the range of hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the scope of the criminal enterprise and the profits generated by the gang’s illegal activities.
• Asset Forfeiture: Defendants convicted of federal gang crimes may also face asset forfeiture, where the government seizes property and assets obtained through illegal activities. This can include vehicles, homes, bank accounts, and other property used in the commission of gang related crimes.
• Supervised Release: In addition to imprisonment, defendants may be sentenced to a period of supervised release, during which they must comply with strict conditions, such as avoiding contact with other gang members, reporting to a probation officer, and refraining from criminal activity.

Common Defenses in Federal Gang Crime Cases

When defending against federal gang crime charges, Josh Tomsheck employs a variety of defense strategies tailored to the specifics of each case. Some common defenses include:

• Lack of Involvement or Association: One of the key elements of federal gang crime charges is proving the defendant’s involvement in a criminal organization. Josh Tomsheck can argue that the defendant was not a member of the gang or did not participate in its illegal activities.
• Challenging the Evidence: Gang crime cases often rely on testimony from informants or other gang members, as well as physical evidence such as surveillance footage or intercepted communications. Josh Tomsheck will thoroughly review the evidence to determine if it was lawfully obtained and whether it supports the charges. He may file motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence or challenge the credibility of witnesses.
• Entrapment: Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces an individual to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed. If undercover agents or informants played a role in setting up the gang related activities, Josh Tomsheck may argue that the defendant was entrapped.
• Challenging the RICO Allegations: Federal prosecutors often use the RICO Act to charge gang members with a wide range of offenses. Josh Tomsheck will carefully examine the RICO allegations to determine if the government can prove that the defendant was part of a criminal enterprise and that the crimes were committed as part of that enterprise.

How Josh Tomsheck Can Help You in Federal Gang Crime Cases

Federal gang crime cases are complex and require an attorney with a deep understanding of both criminal law and the intricacies of gang related offenses. Josh Tomsheck is an experienced, nationally Board-Certified criminal defense lawyer who has successfully defended clients against a wide range of federal gang crime charges.

Here’s why Josh Tomsheck is the best choice for your defense:

• Expertise in Federal Gang Crime Law: Tomsheck’s knowledge of the RICO Act and other federal statutes governing gang related offenses allows him to develop strong defense strategies tailored to the specific facts of each case.
• Proven Track Record in Federal Court: Josh Tomsheck has extensive experience defending clients in federal court, and he knows how to navigate the complexities of gang crime cases. Whether it’s seeking a dismissal, reduced charges, or a favorable plea deal, he works tirelessly to achieve the best results for his clients.
• Personalized Defense Strategy: Every case is different, and Josh Tomsheck takes the time to understand the specific facts and circumstances of each client’s case. He develops a personalized defense strategy aimed at minimizing penalties and protecting your rights.
• Aggressive Defense: Known for his dedication and tenacity, Josh Tomsheck will fight for you at every stage of the case, from pretrial motions to trial and sentencing. He is committed to securing the best possible outcome for his clients.

Contact Josh Tomsheck for a Consultation

If you or a loved one is facing federal gang crime charges, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Contact Josh Tomsheck at the Law Firm of Hofland & Tomsheck today for a consultation. With his experience, knowledge, and commitment to his clients, you can trust that your case is in capable hands.