When Can a Person Face Federal Money Laundering Charges?

 Posted on May 27, 2021 in Federal Crimes

Some types of criminal charges involve offenses committed directly by one person against someone else, such as assault or robbery. Other offenses are considered to be “white collar crimes,” and they often involve fraud or financial manipulation. Money laundering is one such offense, and it involves the attempt to conceal the source of money that was earned or obtained illegally.

While money laundering may be charged as a state-level offense, it will often be prosecuted as a federal crime. Those who may potentially face these types of charges will want to understand when prosecutors may pursue federal charges and the potential penalties that may apply if they are convicted.

Federal Charges for Money Laundering

A person may be charged with money laundering at the federal level if they conduct or attempt to conduct a transaction involving money or property that they know was obtained illegally. Money laundering charges may also apply if a person transferred or transported funds or monetary instruments between the United States and another country with the purpose of promoting or carrying out certain types of crimes. 

Federal money laundering charges may apply in situations where money was related to specific types of crimes, including:

• Drug trafficking involving the manufacture, distribution, or sale of controlled substances

• Violent crimes such as murder, kidnapping, robbery, or extortion

• Human trafficking, including child trafficking or sexual exploitation of children

• Smuggling of weapons

• Bribery of public officials or embezzlement of public funds

• Other offenses in which a person may be extradited from the United States and prosecuted in another country

When prosecuting money laundering offenses, officials will need to prove that a person acted with intent to promote illegal activity, knew that they were involved in a transaction that was meant to conceal the nature or source of funds obtained illegally, intended to engage in tax fraud or evade the payment of federal taxes, or knew that a transaction was meant to avoid state or federal reporting requirements. A conviction on federal money laundering charges may be punished by up to 20 years in federal prison, and a person may also be fined up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property or funds involved in an illegal transaction.

Contact Our Collin County Federal Money Laundering Defense Lawyer

If you suspect that you are being investigated by federal authorities for money laundering or other related offenses, or if you have been charged with a federal crime, you will need to obtain representation by a lawyer who is experienced in defending against these types of charges. The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. has defended numerous clients in federal cases, and we can help you determine the best defense strategy in your case. Contact our Denton County federal crimes defense attorney at 214-544-0061 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Sources:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1956

https://www.justice.gov/archives/jm/criminal-resource-manual-2101-money-laundering-overview