Connecticut Federal RICO Charges: Understanding the Law and Why Matthew Galluzzo Is an Excellent Attorney to Defend You
Being charged with a RICO offense in federal court is one of the most serious legal situations a person can face. Federal prosecutors use RICO — short for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act — to pursue complex criminal organizations, business owners, and individuals accused of participating in ongoing schemes involving fraud, drugs, violence, or financial crimes.
If you are under investigation or charged with a federal RICO violation in the District of Connecticut, you need a defense attorney who understands both the complex legal framework and the strategic realities of federal court. Matthew Galluzzo, a seasoned defense lawyer and former prosecutor, is exceptionally qualified to handle these high-stakes cases.
What Is RICO?
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (18 U.S.C. §§ 1961–1968) is a federal statute originally enacted in 1970 to combat organized crime. Today, it is used far more broadly — against street gangs, white-collar groups, corrupt businesses, and even loosely affiliated individuals accused of participating in “criminal enterprises.”
To convict someone under RICO, federal prosecutors must prove:
- The existence of an “enterprise” — a group of individuals or entities associated together for a common purpose.
- A pattern of racketeering activity — meaning at least two qualifying criminal acts (“predicate acts”) within ten years.
- Connection between the enterprise and the predicate acts — showing that the defendant conducted or participated in the enterprise through that pattern of racketeering activity.
Common Predicate Offenses in Connecticut Federal RICO Cases
RICO charges can be based on a wide variety of underlying crimes, including:
- Mail or wire fraud (18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1343)
- Money laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956)
- Bribery or extortion (18 U.S.C. §§ 201, 1951)
- Drug trafficking (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)
- Gambling offenses or illegal bookmaking
- Violent crimes such as assault, robbery, or murder
- Obstruction of justice or witness tampering
Even if the underlying acts are misdemeanors or state offenses, they can become federal crimes when tied together as part of a RICO “pattern.”
Potential Penalties for RICO Convictions
Federal RICO penalties are extraordinarily severe:
- Up to 20 years in federal prison per count (or life imprisonment if the predicate acts allow it)
- Criminal forfeiture of assets connected to the enterprise
- Massive fines, often the greater of $250,000 or twice the amount of financial gain or loss
- Restitution to alleged victims
- Post-conviction supervision and long-term collateral consequences, including permanent loss of professional licenses and immigration consequences
In addition, the government can pursue civil RICO suits, which allow private plaintiffs to seek triple damages for alleged racketeering activity.
How Federal RICO Cases Are Handled in the District of Connecticut
RICO investigations in Connecticut are often led by multi-agency task forces involving the FBI, DEA, IRS-Criminal Investigation, ATF, and state or local law enforcement. Cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, based in New Haven, Hartford, or Bridgeport.
RICO indictments are typically complex and lengthy, often including dozens of defendants and years of alleged conduct. Defending one successfully requires:
- Detailed review of discovery (often terabytes of financial, electronic, or wiretap evidence)
- Pretrial litigation to suppress unconstitutional searches or statements
- Motions to dismiss unsupported predicate acts
- Strategic separation from co-defendants when appropriate
- Forensic financial analysis and expert witnesses
This is not the kind of case for a general criminal defense lawyer. It requires deep familiarity with federal criminal procedure, evidentiary rules, and RICO-specific case law.
Why Matthew Galluzzo Is an Excellent Attorney for Federal RICO Defense
1. Former Prosecutor with Federal Experience
Matthew Galluzzo served as a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, where he handled complex investigations and serious felonies. That background gives him an insider’s understanding of how federal and state prosecutors build RICO cases — and how to attack their weakest points.
2. Skilled Federal Trial and Negotiation Lawyer
Mr. Galluzzo has successfully represented clients in both state and federal courts, including the District of Connecticut and the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. He knows how to navigate the procedural landscape, work with federal prosecutors, and manage multi-defendant indictments.
3. Strategic Defense for Complex Conspiracies
RICO cases often hinge on the alleged “enterprise” and “pattern” elements — whether multiple acts truly form a cohesive criminal scheme. Mr. Galluzzo crafts defenses that challenge those elements head-on, aiming to dismantle the government’s narrative and separate clients from the alleged organization.
4. Sophisticated Understanding of Financial and White-Collar Components
Because many modern RICO prosecutions involve fraud, money laundering, or business misconduct, Mr. Galluzzo’s extensive experience with financial crime investigations is invaluable. He works closely with forensic accountants and investigators to expose flaws in the government’s tracing of funds and to demonstrate legitimate business operations.
5. Discretion, Communication, and Client Care
Facing a RICO charge can be overwhelming — especially for businesspeople, professionals, or community members who have never been accused of wrongdoing. Mr. Galluzzo prioritizes clear communication, strategic discretion, and client dignity throughout the process. His goal is always to protect both your liberty and your reputation.
Possible Defense Strategies in Federal RICO Cases
While every case is unique, successful defenses often include:
- Challenging the existence of an “enterprise” — showing that alleged participants did not act as a single organized entity
- Attacking the “pattern” requirement — arguing that alleged acts are isolated or unrelated
- Suppressing illegally obtained evidence — including wiretaps, searches, or digital seizures
- Questioning the predicate acts themselves — if prosecutors can’t prove each act beyond a reasonable doubt, the RICO count fails
- Pursuing severance from co-defendants to prevent guilt by association
- Negotiating cooperation or pretrial resolution when appropriate to minimize penalties
A well-prepared, experienced attorney can often negotiate dismissals, reductions, or favorable plea agreements, even in serious RICO prosecutions.
Conclusion: Experience, Strategy, and Advocacy Matter
Federal RICO charges represent some of the most complex and serious allegations in the American justice system. The government invests enormous resources in these cases — and defendants must respond with equally sophisticated representation.
Matthew Galluzzo combines the insight of a former prosecutor, the courtroom skill of a seasoned defense lawyer, and the strategic judgment required in high-stakes federal litigation. He approaches every RICO defense with the same precision, discretion, and relentless advocacy that have earned him a reputation as a trusted and effective advocate.
If you or someone you know is under investigation or indicted for RICO or racketeering-related offenses in Connecticut, contact Matthew Galluzzo immediately. Early intervention can make a critical difference in preserving evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and protecting your future.