Civil RICO Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ — Protecting Your Business from Fraud
A civil RICO claim in Bergen County is a powerful tool for victims of organized fraud, extortion, or racketeering, allowing for treble damages under federal and New Jersey law. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., with its extensive experience in litigation, provides strategic counsel for these high-stakes cases.
Understanding Civil RICO Law in New Jersey
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) is a federal statute, but its civil provisions are frequently invoked in New Jersey state courts, including the Superior Court Law Division in Bergen County. To prevail, a plaintiff must prove the existence of an “enterprise” and a “pattern of racketeering activity” involving at least two related predicate acts, such as mail fraud, wire fraud, or extortion, within a ten-year period. Successfully handling these elements requires a civil RICO lawyer Bergen County with a deep understanding of both federal precedent and New Jersey procedural rules.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal RICO statute, visit the U.S. Code, Title 18, Chapter 96. For New Jersey court procedures governing civil RICO claims, refer to the Bergen Vicinage official website.
The Bergen County Civil RICO Litigation Process
Filing a civil RICO lawsuit in Bergen County Superior Court is a multi-phase process demanding precision. The complaint must plead facts with particularity, detailing the enterprise and each alleged predicate act. Following filing, the case proceeds through mandatory case management conferences and discovery, which can be extensive, involving document production, depositions, and experienced witnesses. Given the the issues involved, many cases are referred to the court’s Early Settlement Panel or arbitration before reaching trial.
- Case Evaluation & Investigation: Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the enterprise, pattern of racketeering activity, and quantifiable damages.
- Drafting the Complaint: Your civil RICO lawyer Bergen County will draft a detailed complaint that meets the heightened pleading standard, clearly outlining the predicate acts and their connection.
- handling Pre-Trial Motions: Be prepared for defense motions to dismiss. A strong, fact-specific complaint is your best defense against early dismissal.
- Discovery Phase: This intensive phase involves exchanging evidence, taking depositions of key players, and retaining financial professionals to calculate damages.
- Settlement Negotiations: Given the high costs and risks of trial, many civil RICO claims settle during mediation or at the Early Settlement Panel.
- Trial & Appeal: If a settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to trial before a jury. Post-trial appeals to the Appellate Division are common in these contested matters.
Potential Outcomes and Strategic Goals
In Bergen County, a successful civil RICO claim can result in an award of treble (triple) damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs, providing a powerful remedy for victims of sustained fraudulent schemes.
The primary goal in civil RICO litigation is to prove the pattern of illegal activity and secure maximum financial recovery for the harm suffered. A skilled civil RICO lawyer near me Bergen County will also work to uncover hidden assets and employ legal tools to ensure any judgment is collectible. The strategic use of discovery can often pressure defendants into a favorable settlement.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Civil RICO Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to commercial disputes. Our firm-wide track record includes handling intricate multi-party litigation that shares the procedural the issues involved of civil RICO claims. We understand that these cases are not just about legal principles but about protecting your business’s financial future. Our approach is direct and focused on building a compelling, evidence-based narrative for the court.
Our Commitment to Bergen County Clients
While specific case results are confidential and vary, our firm is committed to providing aggressive and informed representation for victims of business fraud. We use our understanding of New Jersey court procedures to efficiently advance civil RICO claims. For an affordable civil RICO lawyer Bergen County residents can consult, we offer clear fee structures and dedicated advocacy.
Contact Our New Jersey Location
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Civil RICO Lawyer Bergen County FAQ
What is the main benefit of filing a civil RICO lawsuit?
Yes, the primary benefit is the potential to recover treble (triple) damages, plus attorneys’ fees and costs. This powerful remedy is designed to fully compensate victims and deter organized racketeering activity, making it a critical tool for significant business fraud cases.
How long do I have to file a civil RICO claim in New Jersey?
It depends. Civil RICO claims have a four-year statute of limitations, but the clock typically starts when you discovered or should have discovered the injury. A civil RICO lawyer Bergen County can analyze the specific facts of your case to determine if your claim is timely under federal and state law.
Can I sue an individual, or do I need to prove a large criminal organization?
You can sue individuals. The RICO “enterprise” can be a legitimate business, a partnership, or a group of individuals associated in fact. The key is proving they engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity, not that they are a traditional crime family.
What are common “predicate acts” in a business civil RICO case?
Common predicate acts include mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice. For example, a scheme using interstate emails (wire fraud) and mailed invoices (mail fraud) to defraud investors could form the basis for a civil RICO claim.
Are civil RICO cases usually resolved at trial?
No. Due to their the issues involved, cost, and risk, the majority of civil RICO claims settle during mediation, arbitration, or through pre-trial negotiations. A skilled attorney prepares every case for trial to maximize use during settlement discussions.
Related Legal Services in Bergen County
If you are dealing with contested business disputes, you may also want to learn about our services for business law in Bergen County or contract disputes in Bergen County. For other civil litigation matters across New Jersey, visit our New Jersey civil litigation hub page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your civil RICO matter in Bergen County.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on civil RICO charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Federal charges are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark, Trenton and Camden), not in county court; related state charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is Title 18 of the United States Code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Civil RICO Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Civil RICO Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.