Money Laundering
We will defend your rights against powerful interests.
Alexandria Money Laundering Attorneys
Whether you are facing serious federal charges like drug trafficking, racketeering (RICO), or even wire fraud, it is not uncommon to be charged with other crimes, including money laundering. This type of federal offense involves acquiring money through criminal actions and then funneling the funds through a legitimate company to make the money appear “clean.” If you are facing money laundering charges in Virginia or Washington D.C., let Jenkins Law defend you against harsh criminal penalties.
Call (703) 537-5522 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with our money laundering lawyers in Alexandria today!
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What is Money Laundering?
In order to convict someone for money laundering in the United States, the prosecution must show that the defendant concealed money in order to cover up the source, nature, location, and identity of the illegally obtained funds. This does not mean putting the money in a safe or another hidden place. Rather, money laundering involves depositing money in a bank or business to make it appear to come from a legitimate source.
The government must also prove that the money originated from a specific federal offense, such as those mentioned above. If the funds did not come from criminal activity, the prosecution cannot obtain a money laundering conviction.
Types of Money Laundering Offenses
At Jenkins Law, we help defend clients from all types of money laundering-related offenses such as:
- Illegal wire transfers
- Structuring transactions to conceal source or value
- Failure to report transactions over $10,000
- Financial transactions from unlawful activities
What Are the Penalties for Money Laundering?
What Is the Maximum Sentence for Money Laundering?
Under federal law (18 U.S.C. §1956), money laundering is punishable by a maximum prison term of 20 years. The greater the amount of money involved in the alleged offense, the longer the prison sentence and the higher the fines. Because of the seriousness of the charges you face, it is imperative to hire an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer to fight for the best possible outcome. Do not wait to let the legal system play out and take proactive action to defend yourself with the help of Jenkins Law.
Defenses Against Money Laundering Charges
Some common defenses against money laundering charges may include:
- Lack of Intent: Demonstrating a lack of intent is a powerful defense strategy. Lack of knowledge about the illegal source of funds or involvement in the underlying criminal activity can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Insufficient Evidence: Challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution is a fundamental defense strategy. If there are gaps, inconsistencies, or flaws in the evidence, we exploit them to create reasonable suspicion in the minds of the judge and jury.
- Constitutional Violations: Money laundering cases often involve extensive investigations, including searches and seizures. Any breach of Fourth Amendment rights, such as an illegal search or seizure, can lead to the exclusion of crucial evidence.
- Procedural Errors: Any errors or violations during the investigation, arrest, or trial can be leveraged to our client’s advantage. This includes due process violations, evidence mishandling, or failure to follow proper legal procedures.
- Coercion or Duress: In some instances, individuals may become unwittingly involved in money laundering due to coercion or duress. Establishing that the involvement was involuntary can be a compelling defense strategy.
- Mistaken Identity: Misidentification is not uncommon in complex financial investigations. We aggressively pursue this line of defense if there is any doubt about our client’s involvement or if they have been mistakenly linked to the alleged money laundering activities.
