Aggressive Defense for Clients in Birmingham
Money laundering is a serious federal crime that involves the process of making illegally-gained proceeds appear legal. This is done by moving the money through a series of complex transactions, often involving foreign banks or legitimate businesses. Money laundering is a federal crime that is aggressively prosecuted by the government. If you are under investigation or have been charged with money laundering, it is crucial that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., we have extensive experience handling complex federal cases, including those involving money laundering. Our Birmingham money laundering defense lawyers are well-versed in the federal laws and regulations that govern these cases, and we know how to build a strong defense on your behalf. We are prepared to fight for you in court and work to secure the most favorable outcome possible.
Call our office today at 205-930-9800 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team.
Understanding Money Laundering Charges
Money laundering is a white-collar crime that is typically charged in conjunction with other offenses, such as fraud, embezzlement, or drug trafficking. The government may charge you with money laundering if they believe you have been involved in any type of illegal activity that has generated a significant amount of money. The goal of money laundering is to make the money appear legitimate, so it can be used without raising suspicion.
There are three main steps involved in the money laundering process:
- Placement: This is the process of introducing the illegal funds into the financial system. This is often done by depositing the money into a bank account, purchasing a money order, or investing in a business.
- Layering: This is the process of separating the illegal funds from their source. This is done by moving the money through a series of complex transactions, often involving multiple banks or businesses. The goal is to make it difficult to trace the money back to its original source.
- Integration: This is the process of making the money appear legitimate. This is done by investing the money in a business, purchasing real estate, or engaging in other financial transactions.
Legal Consequences of Money Laundering
Money laundering is a serious federal crime that is aggressively prosecuted by the government. If you are convicted of money laundering, you could face severe criminal penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and asset forfeiture. Additionally, a money laundering conviction can have a significant impact on your personal and professional life. You may have difficulty finding employment, obtaining a professional license, or securing housing. You may also face a damaged reputation and strained personal relationships.
The potential penalties for a money laundering conviction include:
- Up to 20 years in federal prison
- Fines of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction
- Asset forfeiture
- Restitution
Money laundering is a serious crime that can result in severe penalties. If you are under investigation or have been charged with money laundering, it is crucial that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., we can help you understand your legal options and work to build a strong defense on your behalf.
How to Fight Money Laundering Charges
There are several defenses that may be available in a money laundering case, including:
- Insufficient evidence: The government has the burden of proving every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is not enough evidence to support a conviction, we can challenge the government’s case and work to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed.
- Illegal search and seizure: The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police obtained evidence against you through an illegal search and seizure, we can file a motion to suppress the evidence and work to get the charges against you dismissed.
- Entrapment: If the government induced you to commit a crime that you would not have otherwise committed, we can argue that you were entrapped and work to get the charges against you dismissed.
- Mistaken identity: If you were mistakenly identified as the person who committed the crime, we can challenge the government’s case and work to get the charges against you dismissed.
Learn more about how our Birmingham money laundering defense lawyers can help you by contacting us online or by calling today!