Las Vegas Money Laundering Attorney

Arrested? Contact our Criminal Defense Team

“Money laundering” is a term used to describe taking money that was stolen or acquired through illicit means and hiding its origin through camouflaging or other forms of “cleaning.” Money laundering could be considered both a white collar crime and a federal crime, and the United States government spends an abundance of money and manpower on investigation of claims every year. As a result, the penalties for a guilty conviction are astronomical, including fines and long jail sentences.

The typical money laundering process takes three steps:

• Placement: Taking the illicit funds and placing them in a bank or somewhere in the financial system
• Layering: Performing an action with these funds in order to disguise their origin, such as changing them into a different currency
• Integration: Distributing these funds to others as wealth

If you are facing charges of money laundering, it is imperative that you seek legal counsel from a Las Vegas criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At The Draskovich Law Group, we have the experience and resources you need on your side to help you fight back against your money laundering charges. We understand how difficult and stressful charges of this magnitude can be, which is why we remain dedicated to defending you throughout your trial, both in and out of the courtroom.

Penalties for Money Laundering

Money laundering is a very broadly-encompassing law, meaning you could be prosecuted even if your laundering attempt fails and regardless of the amount of money involved. If you attempt to launder over state or international borders, your case will be tried in federal court.

If you are found guilty, you could be facing penalties including up to 20 years in federal prison and fines of up to $500,000 (or twice the value of the property involved in the scheme, whichever is greater). The court may also freeze your assets if you are charged with money laundering, which could significantly impact you and your loved ones throughout your case.

How Can a Lawyer Defend Against Money Laundering Charges?

When facing money laundering charges, it is essential to have a strong legal defense to protect against severe penalties, including prison time and substantial fines. A skilled attorney will analyze every aspect of the case to determine the best possible defense strategy. The approach taken will depend on the specific facts of the case, but there are several common defenses that may be used.

One of the primary defenses against money laundering charges is to challenge the evidence. Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused knowingly participated in laundering illegal funds. An attorney may argue that the financial transactions were legitimate and not connected to any illegal activities. In some cases, a defendant may have engaged in a transaction without understanding its illegal nature, which can be a basis for fighting the charges.

Another key defense is proving lack of intent. Money laundering requires intent to conceal the origins of illegal funds. If it can be shown that the accused had no intention of disguising the source of the money or did not know the money was obtained illegally, this can weaken the prosecution’s case.

An attorney may also investigate the methods used by law enforcement in the case. If the investigation involved unlawful search and seizure or violations of the defendant’s rights, evidence obtained during the investigation may be inadmissible in court.

Lastly, complex financial cases like money laundering often involve a review of financial records and witness testimony. A lawyer may call upon financial experts to testify, challenge the credibility of witnesses, or uncover inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, all of which can strengthen the defense.