Money Laundering
< DC White Collar Criminal Defense
DC Money Laundering Attorneys
DC Federal Money Laundering Lawyer
Engaging in activities to hide the source of unlawfully acquired funds is known as money laundering. Money laundering is strictly prohibited by federal law, and there are multiple federal statutes that specifically address money laundering and associated offenses. Convictions for such offenses can result in substantial prison sentences and significant penalties. When an individual is being investigated or has been charged with money laundering, it is highly advisable for them to seek the guidance of a skilled DC federal money laundering lawyer. By consulting with an attorney experienced in this area, they can explore the available options to mount a strong defense against these grave charges.
Federal Laws Against Money Laundering
Money laundering is expressly prohibited under Section 1956 of the United States Code. This section outlines several actions that are considered violations of the law:
- Engaging in or attempting to engage in financial transactions using proceeds from illegal activities to further the illegal conduct.
- Engaging in or attempting to engage in financial transactions with the intention of concealing the origin, ownership, location, source, or control of unlawfully obtained funds.
- Transmitting or moving funds between the United States and other countries to promote illegal activities or knowingly transferring funds derived from unlawful activities.
- Transmitting or moving funds across borders to evade government reporting requirements or to disguise the true source, ownership, location, or control of the funds.
- Structuring financial transactions involving proceeds from unlawful activities to avoid state or federal reporting requirements.
- Conducting or attempting to conduct financial transactions involving proceeds from unlawful activities to evade tax obligations or circumvent provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
It is important to understand that these actions are strictly prohibited by law, and individuals found guilty of money laundering can face significant legal consequences. Money laundering is being charged in an increasing number of cases. For example, in the healthcare fraud arena where the government alleges that someone was engaging in healthcare fraud, such as Medicaid fraud. Money laundering may be charged in government contracting fraud cases where someone is alleged to have concealed an alleged, ill-gotten gain by purchasing a home or other items. Another example of money laundering is when a person is alleged to have engaged in illegal activity, and then took the money and simply paid rent and utility bills or put it in a bank account.
The Prosecution’s Burden of Proof
The federal prosecutor bears the responsibility of establishing each element of a money laundering offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This necessitates the government’s obligation to demonstrate the following:
- The money involved in the transaction is derived from an illicit source or criminal activity.
- The individual was aware of the illicit nature of the money before engaging in the financial transaction.
- The person engaged in or attempted to engage in a financial transaction involving the unlawfully obtained money with the intention of pursuing an unlawful objective, such as evading taxes, concealing the origin of the funds, or evading reporting obligations.
How We Can Help
Your attorney will work with you to identify potential avenues for introducing doubt regarding any of these elements of the crime, taking into account the unique facts and circumstances of your case. The government bears the responsibility of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. During the trial, the judge will instruct the jury that they should resolve any reasonable doubt concerning your guilt or innocence, based on the evidence, in your favor.
In addition, a DC federal money laundering lawyer can explore other defenses such as entrapment or an illegal search, depending on the specific details of your case. They can also assist you in negotiating a plea bargain for a lesser offense if it is in your best interest. Given the severe penalties associated with a money laundering conviction, it is wise to seek the guidance of an experienced and capable criminal defense attorney as soon as you become the subject of an investigation or are charged with federal money laundering.