In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small discusses the evolution of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. As a young lawyer with the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Organized Crime and Racketeering Strike Force, Mr. Small reviewed proposed RICO cases, including one against law enforcement officers in Appling County, Georgia, accused of participating in an illegal drug smuggling operation. The indictment faced several hurdles in getting approved, including pushback from higher-ups who believed that RICO was specifically meant for cases involving the Mafia. With help from a U.S. Attorney and FBI Special Agent Bill Hinshaw, the case was eventually approved. Later, at trial, they initially faced skepticism from the judge, but clear and compelling evidence led to a maximum sentence and helped reinforce the statute's reach beyond traditional organized crime.

In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small recounts a compelling story from Appling County, Georgia, where corruption and drug smuggling under a powerful sheriff threatened the integrity of the community. A local resident motivated by a sense of justice, but lacking law enforcement experience, took it upon himself to run for sheriff. After narrowly winning, he sought federal assistance and collaborated with the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office in an effort to save his county. The episode highlights the slow, complex federal investigation involving Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) charges, undercover operations and community doubt amid procedural delays. In sharing this case, Mr. Small reflects on how legal battles impact real lives and communities.

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook," litigation attorney Dan Small begins a multi-part examination of a drug trafficking and corruption case in Appling County, Georgia. As increased law enforcement efforts in Florida pushed drug smuggling operations into Georgia, local law enforcement officers, including both a former and a sitting sheriff, became involved in facilitating drug shipments. Mr. Small explains how financial incentives and personal relationships contributed to the involvement of officers in criminal activity. He describes the investigation, the use of grand jury subpoenas and the challenges faced in confronting corruption within law enforcement. The episode highlights the realities of prosecuting these cases and the importance of maintaining accountability in the justice system.