How a Criminal Lawyer Can Help With Money Laundering Charges
Are you facing money laundering charges? Hiring an experienced money laundering lawyer should be your first step.
Facing any kind of criminal charges without legal assistance is futile. Even though money laundering is a so-called “white-collar crime,” you must take these charges seriously — they could lead to steep fines and lengthy prison sentences.
Here is how a criminal lawyer can help you with money laundering charges.
Explain Your Charges
Many individuals charged with white-collar crimes feel completely out of their wheelhouse. They may not understand what these charges entail and what penalties they face. They may also be unsure of how the criminal justice system works and what lies ahead for them.
Your money laundering lawyer will help you understand your charges, the evidence the state has against you, and what you can expect moving forward.
Money laundering is the transfer of illegally acquired funds. Money laundering aims to disguise these funds so that they appear as if they were lawfully acquired, concealing the illicit activity.
In Florida, money laundering is a felony offense. The severity of the charges depends on the details of the financial transaction:
- $300 to $20,000: Third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison
- $20,000 to $100,000: Second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison
- More than $100,000: First-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison
Penalties may also include forfeiting property associated with money laundering. For example, a person who used illicitly acquired funds to purchase a house may need to forfeit the house.
Build a Solid Defense
Just because you are facing money laundering charges does not mean you will be convicted. Your criminal lawyer can help you build a legal defense if you decide to plead “not guilty.” This defense can attempt to explain the activity or show why it did not constitute criminal activity.
Money laundering can be challenging to prove. For the charges against you to hold firm, the state must demonstrate that you intended to conceal illegally acquired money. If you accidentally transferred money or did not know it was unlawfully acquired, you would not be guilty of money laundering.
Your criminal lawyer can gather evidence showing that you were not aware of the source of the funds and did not intentionally conceal illicit activity. Remember, the burden of proof is on the state, so you and your attorney are only responsible for defending any evidence they have against you.
Guide You Through the Criminal Justice System
Navigating criminal charges can be overwhelming, but your money laundering lawyer can help you keep your head on straight. A good criminal defense attorney will attend every court date with you, regardless of whether they need to be there. They will answer all of your questions promptly and help you understand the steps involved in your case.
Everything you say and do leading up to your trial has the potential to be used against you. Your attorney will help you avoid harming your case as you await your court date. They will communicate with all parties on your behalf to ensure that you do not say something potentially incriminating.
Seek Legal Counsel From Michael White, P.A.
If you have been charged with money laundering, taking the appropriate steps could help your case. First, you need an experienced, qualified attorney to assist and represent you. Michael White, P.A., has extensive experience representing defendants in Fort Lauderdale money laundering cases.
Contact Michael White, P.A., today at (954) 270-0769 to schedule a consultation with Fort Lauderdale’s trusted money laundering lawyer.
