Money Laundering Charges

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Get the Facts About Federal Money Laundering Charges and How You Can Fight Them

Money laundering is the process of concealing the source of unlawfully obtained funds. Money laundering and similar activities are unlawful under federal law, with many federal legislations prohibiting them.

Anyone convicted of these crimes might face a significant jail sentence as well as other harsh consequences. If you are under investigation or have been charged with money laundering, you should consult with a federal money laundering defense lawyer to learn about your options for fighting these severe accusations.

You can do so by calling Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088.

The Prosecutor Must Prove Their Case Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

Every element of a money laundering violation must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt by the federal prosecutor who pursues the charges. This involves demonstrating that:

  • The money is “tainted,” or it was gained via a criminal offense
  • Before engaging in a financial transaction, the accused was aware that the money was contaminated
  • The accused engaged in or tried to engage in a transaction utilizing this unlawfully acquired money for the intention of evading taxes, concealing the source of the money, or avoiding a reporting obligation, among other things

A Federal Money Laundering Defense Attorney Can Help in Several Ways

Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, your attorney can assist you in finding methods to cast doubt on any of these components of the crime. The burden of proof is on the government to establish your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge will advise the jury that any reasonable question about your guilt or innocence should be resolved in your favor based on the evidence.

A federal money laundering defense lawyer may be able to help you raise additional defenses such as entrapment or an unlawful search, and may even be able to assist you in reaching a plea bargain to a lesser charge if that is the best option for you.

With the significant consequences of a money laundering conviction, it is prudent to seek the advice of an experienced and qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as you are under investigation or charged with federal money laundering.

The Specifics of Federal Money Laundering Laws

Money laundering is prohibited under Section 1956 of the United States Code. Section 1956 expressly bans anybody from:

  • Conducting or trying to undertake any sort of financial transaction utilizing the proceeds of criminal activity in order to promote illegal activity
  • Performing or trying to perform any sort of financial transaction with the intent of concealing the source, ownership, location, source, or control of monies gained via illicit activities
  • Transmitting or transporting money or funds from the United States to countries outside the United States, or from countries outside the United States to the United States, in order to encourage illegal conduct, or transferring monies with knowledge that the funds came from illegal activity
  • To avoid triggering governmental reporting requirements or to hide the source, ownership, location, or management of funds, transferring money or moving it from inside the United States to outside the United States, or from outside the United States into the nation
  • Conducting or trying to undertake any sort of financial transaction involving the proceeds of illegal activity in order to evade paying taxes or avoiding other restrictions of the Internal Revenue Code

Money Laundering is Often an Added Charge

A growing number of instances are being prosecuted for money laundering. For example, in the case of healthcare fraud, such as Medicaid fraud, where the government asserts that someone is committing healthcare fraud.

Money laundering charges may be brought against someone in a government contracting fraud case who is accused of concealing an alleged ill-gotten income by acquiring a home or other property. Another example of money laundering is when a person is accused of engaging in criminal activity and then simply paying rent and utility bills with the money or depositing it in a bank account.

Contact an Experienced Defense Attorney Today if You Are Facing Money Laundering Charges

Working with a skilled and experienced federal criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the federal court system where the case will be handled from the start is a smart approach to assist defend oneself. To learn more about how a federal money laundering lawyer in can help, contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for help.

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