Can a solicitor defend a client accused of money laundering?

A solicitor can indeed defend a client accused of money laundering. They provide expert legal representation, navigating the complexities of the charges and advocating for the client’s rights throughout the legal process.

What is the role of a solicitor in money laundering cases?

The role of a solicitor in money laundering cases is crucial for providing legal guidance, developing a defense strategy, navigating complex regulations, and representing clients in court to mitigate penalties and protect their rights.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with AML regulations for solicitors?

The consequences of non-compliance with AML regulations for solicitors include severe penalties such as hefty fines, potential criminal charges, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact their practice and client trust.

What are the legal consequences of money laundering for solicitors?

The legal consequences of money laundering for solicitors are significant and can include criminal charges, loss of professional license, hefty fines, and imprisonment, as they may be held liable for facilitating or failing to report suspicious activities.

How do solicitors build a defense strategy?

Solicitors build a defense strategy by thoroughly investigating the details of the case, assessing evidence, identifying legal precedents, and crafting arguments that highlight the defendant's rights while aiming for the best possible outcome in court.

What defenses do solicitors use in money laundering cases?

Defenses solicitors use in money laundering cases include demonstrating a lack of knowledge of the illicit nature of the funds, proving the absence of intent to commit a crime, and challenging the evidence or procedures used to gather it.

Can solicitors challenge evidence in money laundering trials?

Solicitors can challenge evidence in money laundering trials. They may argue against the admissibility and validity of the evidence presented, which can significantly impact the trial's outcome and potentially lead to a more favorable result for the accused.

What is the burden of proof for solicitors?

The burden of proof for solicitors refers to the obligation to present sufficient evidence to support claims or defenses in legal proceedings, ensuring that their case meets the required standard of proof for a successful outcome.

How do solicitors communicate with clients in these cases?

Solicitors communicate with clients facing money laundering charges through various means, including in-person meetings, phone calls, emails, and secure messaging platforms to ensure clarity and confidentiality throughout the legal process.

What training do solicitors undergo for money laundering cases?

Solicitors undergo specialized training for money laundering cases, which includes understanding relevant laws, recognizing financial crime patterns, and developing skills in investigation and defense strategies to effectively represent clients accused of such offenses.

Criminal Lawyer's Role in Florida Money Laundering Charges

If you need a money laundering lawyer in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney should be your first step. These cases involve serious consequences—including felony convictions, asset forfeiture, and decades behind bars.

Even though money laundering is considered a white-collar crime, the penalties are no less severe than other felonies. Don’t face this process alone—here’s how a criminal lawyer can help protect your freedom and your future.

📘 Understanding Your Charges

Money laundering is the act of taking illegally obtained funds and disguising their origin to make them appear legitimate. In Florida, this offense is charged based on the amount involved in the transaction:

$300 to $20,000 – Third-degree felony (up to 5 years in prison)
$20,000 to $100,000 – Second-degree felony (up to 15 years in prison)
Over $100,000 – First-degree felony (up to 30 years in prison)

⚖️ You could also face civil asset forfeiture, meaning any property or possessions purchased with illicit funds—like a home or car—could be seized by the State.

Your criminal defense lawyer will help you:

Understand the specific money laundering statute under Florida law
Review the charges and explain potential penalties
Analyze the financial evidence collected by the prosecution
Prepare for every step in the criminal process

🛡️ Building a Strong Legal Defense

Being charged does not mean you’ll be convicted. Money laundering is complex and difficult to prove, especially when it comes to proving intent.

Your criminal lawyer can fight to:

Show you didn’t know the funds were illegally obtained
Argue that the transaction was legal and aboveboard
Challenge the state’s theory that you acted to conceal illicit activity
Suppress improperly gathered evidence

Remember: the burden of proof is on the prosecution. A skilled attorney can poke holes in the case and prevent a conviction that could ruin your reputation, finances, and freedom.

🧭 Guiding You Through the Criminal Justice System

If you’ve never been charged with a crime before, the legal process can feel overwhelming. A money laundering lawyer will:

Guide you through each stage of the case
Attend court appearances with you
Speak on your behalf to protect you from self-incrimination
Help you avoid missteps that could harm your defense

Everything you say and do could be used as evidence. With the right attorney by your side, you’ll be empowered to make smart decisions and protect your future.

👨‍⚖️ Why Hire Michael White, P.A. for Money Laundering Defense?

At Michael White, P.A., I bring deep experience in both white-collar crime defense and Florida felony litigation. I fight aggressively for clients charged with financial crimes and understand how to challenge the evidence prosecutors rely on in money laundering cases.

🔹 Personalized defense strategies
🔹 Local experience in Fort Lauderdale courts
🔹 Strong knowledge of federal and state financial crime statutes

📞 Call (954) 270-0769 now to schedule your free consultation.
📍 Serving clients in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and across South Florida.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is money laundering a felony in Florida?

Yes. Money laundering is always charged as a felony in Florida. The degree of the felony—and the penalties—depend on the amount of money involved in the alleged transaction.

2. Can you go to jail for money laundering in Florida?

Yes. Depending on the charge, you could face up to 5, 15, or 30 years in prison. In addition to jail time, you may also be required to forfeit assets connected to the offense.

3. What does the State have to prove in a money laundering case?

Prosecutors must show that you knowingly engaged in a financial transaction involving illegally obtained money and that you intended to conceal the origin or ownership of those funds.

4. Can I be charged with money laundering if I didn’t know the money was illegal?

No. If you didn’t know the money was unlawfully acquired, or you didn’t intend to hide or disguise it, you may have a strong defense. Intent is a key element of the charge.

5. What should I do if I’m under investigation for money laundering?

You should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately—before speaking to law enforcement or financial investigators. Anything you say can be used against you, so legal protection is essential from the start.