The federal court system takes money laundering charges very seriously. Accusations of money laundering in Long Beach are often aggressively prosecuted, leading to convictions. You can end up left with incredibly high fines and a lengthy sentence in the federal prison system if you are convicted.
Trying to beat a money laundering charge on your own can end up making things worse. You need professional help to take on federal prosecutors. The Simmrin Law Group understands what it takes to build a defense against money laundering accusations.
Make sure that you are taking all possible steps to protect your future by contacting our money laundering lawyers in Long Beach today. We can start going over the charges against you and working on a defense right away.
Defining Money Laundering in Long Beach
Individuals in Long Beach can be charged with money laundering for any action that makes illegitimate money appear legitimate. Examples of activities that could result in illegitimate funds include:
- Acts of Fraud and Racketeering
- Human Trafficking and Terrorism
- Drug Crimes, Violent Crimes and Theft Crimes
Money laundering is generally a three-step process. These steps are:
Money Laundering Step 1: Placement
The placement stage of money laundering involves placing illegitimate funds into a legitimate financial system. Individuals sometimes complete this step through:
- Gambling
- Exchanging Currency
- Repaying Loans
Money Laundering Step 2: Layering
The second stage of money laundering is called layering (or structuring). Individuals engage in layering when they make multiple financial transactions in an attempt to confuse the connection between illicit funds and a criminal act. Funds may be moved around internationally during this step.
Money Laundering Step 3: Integration
Integration is the final step in money laundering. Individuals regain funds during this stage. Illicit money should now appear completely legitimate. Funds should be completely usable after this part of the money laundering process.
Individuals might commit money laundering if they:
- Pay Employees Under the Table
- Utilize Shell Companies Overseas
- Buy Real Estate with Illicit Funds
- Use Fraudulent Invoices to Hide Illicit Money
Note that you can be charged with money laundering for attempting to launder even small amounts of currency. Individuals can also be convicted even if they never successfully complete the money laundering process.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Long Beach, call (310) 896-2723
Federal Penalties for a Money Laundering Conviction
Money laundering charges are often tied to organized crime, which can increase the penalties for a conviction. Individuals who are convicted of money laundering in the federal court system may be sentenced to:
- Prison Time: Up to 20 Years
- Fines: Up to $500,000
You might also be forced to pay twice the funds tied to any money laundering operation. The court generally requires individuals to pay whichever amount is greater.
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State Charges for Money Laundering in Long Beach
Note that not all money laundering charges are handled in federal court. The federal court system only takes on money laundering charges if:
- The Money Laundering was Tied to Interstate Commerce, OR
- The Money Laundering Crossed State or International Borders
You could be prosecuted in the state court system if your case does not meet these standards. State penalties for money laundering are generally less severe than those used in federal court. A first-time state conviction for money laundering can lead to:
- Jail Time: Up to 1 Year
- Fines: Up to $250,000
As with federal charges, the court can also charge you twice the value of the money that was laundered. The fines increase if individuals are charged with additional instances of money laundering. Individuals who launder particularly large sums may have additional time added onto their jail sentence, including:
- 1 Additional Year in Jail for Laundering $50,000-$150,000
- 2 Additional Years in Jail for Laundering $150,000-$1,000,000
- 3 Additional Years in Jail for Laundering $1,000,000-$2,500,000
- 4 Additional Years in Jail for Laundering More than $2,500,000
Make sure you’re ready to deal with these serious charges by reaching out to a Long Beach criminal defense lawyer now.
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A Long Beach Money Laundering Lawyer Can Help You Today
You can improve your chances for beating a money laundering charge by contacting a professional money laundering lawyer in Long Beach. The Simmrin Law Group has experience helping clients facing state or federal money laundering charges. We understand the strategies that can protect clients in and out of the courtroom. Make sure that you’re ready to take on money laundering accusations by calling (310) 896-2723 or filling out our online contact form.
We can offer you a FREE case evaluation so you can get legal advice when you need it the most.
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