Navigating money laundering allegations can be overwhelming, especially when your freedom and reputation are on the line. The worst decision you could make is to try to clear your name without expert legal representation. At M|C Criminal Law, our experienced money laundering lawyers are here to help you face these serious charges head-on.
With a deep understanding of both state and federal laws, we craft tailored defense strategies designed to protect your rights and minimize the impact on your future. Because money laundering charges can affect every aspect of your life, we are committed to guiding you through the legal process and fighting for the best possible outcome.
Your future deserves the strongest possible defense – contact us today to discuss your case and take control of the next steps in protecting it.
Money laundering is defined in the Texas Penal Code Section 34.02. This statute states that:
‘A person commits an offense if the person knowingly:
(1) acquires or maintains an interest in, conceals, possesses, transfers, or transports the proceeds of criminal activity;
(2) conducts, supervises, or facilitates a transaction involving the proceeds of criminal activity;
(3) invests, expends, or receives, or offers to invest, expend, or receive, the proceeds of criminal activity or funds that the person believes are the proceeds of criminal activity; or
(4) finances or invests or intends to finance or invest funds that the person believes are intended to further the commission of criminal activity.’
In simpler terms, money laundering involves knowingly taking money obtained through illegal activities (such as drug trafficking, fraud, or theft) and hiding its true source to make it appear legitimate. This might involve transferring, investing, or even spending the funds in ways that disguise their illegal origins.
The key word here is knowingly – the person accused of money laundering must have known (or believed) that the money came from criminal activity. Texas law also states that if a police officer or someone acting under their direction tells a person that certain funds are connected to criminal activity, the law assumes the person believed it.
This is true even if the officer didn’t reveal their identity or intentions during the interaction. Thus, to be charged with money laundering, it can be enough that someone told you that the money comes from an illegal source, whether or not you believed them. Additionally, to be charged with money laundering, you don’t have to know the exact crime involved.
A person can still be found guilty of money laundering even if they don’t know the exact criminal activity that generated the money. It is enough for the prosecution to show that the person believed the money came from illegal activity.
Due to these relatively wide-ranging definitions, a person can be charged with money laundering in many circumstances, however, that also means that a good money laundering lawyer has many opportunities to create a defense strategy.
Money laundering can take many forms, from simple personal transactions to complex financial schemes involving businesses or digital assets. Some of the more common methods of money laundering include:
In some cases, people even may unknowingly find themselves entangled in money laundering schemes. However, law enforcement often struggles to differentiate between intentional involvement and innocent association, leading to charges against those who may have had no knowledge of the crime.
The broad scope of activities that can be considered money laundering highlights the importance of being represented by an experienced money laundering attorney, particularly because the sanctions can be severe.
Texas law imposes severe consequences, with the degree of the offense and the corresponding punishments escalating based on the value of the funds involved:
Beyond the substantial penalties of prison time and fines, a conviction can also carry lifelong consequences, including a permanent criminal record, difficulty securing employment, and reputational damage. In addition to the monetary thresholds, money laundering cases often involve federal charges if the activities cross state or international borders, which can lead to even harsher penalties.
With so much at stake, it is critical to have a knowledgeable and aggressive money laundering defense attorney who can evaluate the evidence, challenge the charges, and work to mitigate or dismiss the case against you.
Facing money laundering charges can be daunting, but there are a variety of defenses that may be available depending on the circumstances of your case. Some, but not all, potential strategies include:
Every money laundering case is unique, and the right defense strategy depends on the details of your situation. At M|C Criminal Law, our team of experienced white-collar crime lawyers in Dallas, TX, has the knowledge and resources necessary to build a strong defense.
Our background as both former prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers gives us a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, including the nuances of money laundering cases at both the state and federal levels. This insight allows us to anticipate prosecutorial strategies and craft defenses tailored to your case.
Whether you are facing state-level or federal charges, M|C Criminal Law’s money laundering lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the most important step toward defending your future.
