Texas Federal Money Laundering Attorney

Defending Clients facing Money Laundering Charges in Texas and throughout the US

Money laundering is a serious crime that carries severe penalties. While state charges may apply in some cases involving money laundering, certain types of offenses will be charged as federal crimes, and a conviction may result in more serious penalties, including large fines and lengthy periods of incarceration in a federal prison. To defend against federal money laundering charges, it is important to work with an attorney who has experience representing clients who have been charged with federal offenses.

At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., our attorneys provide legal help to people who have been charged with state or federal crimes. With our knowledge of the laws that affect these types of cases and our experience advocating on behalf of defendants in federal courts, we can build effective defense strategies. We work to ensure that our clients' rights are protected at all times, and we help them understand the best steps they can take to resolve a federal criminal case successfully.

Federal Money Laundering Charges in Texas

Money laundering generally involves concealing the source of money that was obtained through criminal activity. This offense can consist of multiple types of actions, such as creating false bank accounts or transferring money between accounts in different states or countries. It may also involve filing false tax returns or falsifying business records to make it appear as if money that was illegally obtained was earned through legitimate business activities.

Federal charges for money laundering may apply if a person allegedly engaged in transactions that promoted a criminal offense, were intended to disguise the source or ownership of money or property, or were conducted with the intent of avoiding the requirement to report a transaction to the IRS or a state tax authority. These may include transactions that take place within the United States or those in which money is transferred between the U.S. and another country.

Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1956) states that the offense of "laundering of monetary instruments" may apply if transactions were related to "specified unlawful activity," which includes federal crimes such as:

• Drug trafficking in which controlled substances are imported into the United States from other countries or transported and distributed in multiple states
• Drug conspiracy offenses that consist of continuing criminal enterprises related to the distribution of controlled substances
• Murder, kidnapping, robbery, or other violent crimes
• Extortion or bribery of public officials
• Bank fraud or other forms of fraud involving a financial institution
• Theft or embezzlement of public funds
• Gun trafficking involving smuggling weapons into the United States
• Human trafficking or sexual exploitation of children, including any offenses involving recruiting, harboring, or transporting someone to engage in commercial sex acts
• Smuggling goods into or out of the United States
• Espionage
• Counterfeiting

A person who is convicted of money laundering in federal court may be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. They may also be fined as much as $500,000 or double the amount of the money or property involved in the transaction(s) in question, whichever is greater.

In cases involving federal money laundering charges, it is important to understand that the burden of proof rests on the prosecution. To obtain a conviction, a federal prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person was involved in an illegal transaction or series of transactions, that they attempted to conceal the source or nature of funds, and that these actions were taken in relation to applicable federal offenses. Our attorneys will work to address these issues and determine when evidence may be challenged or whether other steps may be taken to cast reasonable doubt on a prosecutor's claims.

Contact Our Texas Federal Money Laundering Lawyers

Money laundering is a serious offense that can lead to federal charges, and a conviction can result in significant penalties. If you have been accused of money laundering or another type of white collar crime, The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. can provide you with the defense you need. We will work diligently on your behalf to protect your rights and create a strong defense strategy that will help you avoid a conviction or minimize the penalties you may face. Contact us today at 214-544-0061 to set up a free consultation.