Money laundering occurs if someone takes illicit funds and tries to ‘clean’ them so they appear to be legitimate. Individuals in Santa Clarita can face criminal charges in the state or federal court system if they are accused of money laundering.
You can end up facing incredibly harsh fines and a lengthy period of incarceration if you are convicted on money laundering charges. Fortunately, you can get help dealing with these charges by contacting a money laundering lawyer in Santa Clarita today.
The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group can start offering you comprehensive legal services today. Depending upon your needs, we may be able to:
- Help You with Your Bail Hearing
- Assess Any Plea Bargains You Are Offered
- Work to Block Evidence Against You
- Fight to Get Your Case Dismissed
Defining Money Laundering in California
Before we go over the different charges used to prosecute acts of money laundering, it can be useful to make sure you understand this charge. Money laundering can take place anytime someone attempts to make illegitimate funds seem legitimate.
Illegitimate funds are obtained through criminal activity. For example, any funds obtained through the sale of drugs or child pornography would be considered illicit.
Individuals may attempt to make this money appear legitimate through a variety of means. Criminal charges can be brought against individuals who:
- Pay Employees Under the Table
- Buy and Resell Real Estate
- Move Illicit Funds to Shell Companies
- Double Bill Invoices
For a free legal consultation with a money laundering lawyer serving Santa Clarita, call (310) 896-2723
State Charges for Money Laundering in Santa Clarita
Generally, state charges for money laundering are not as serious as federal charges. The state of California uses Penal Code Section 186.10 to prosecute individuals who attempt to misrepresent illegitimate funds.
You may face the following penalties if you are convicted under PC 186.10:
- Fines: Up to $250,000
- Jail Time: Up to One Year
Note that the fines can be significantly higher if you are convicted of PC 186.10 a subsequent time. The court system could fine you up to $500,000 in this case.
Santa Clarita Money Laundering Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
State Money Laundering Charges Tied to the Sale of Drugs in Santa Clarita
You should be aware that the state of California uses separate charges to prosecute money laundering associated with drug crimes. If you launder illicit funds gained through the sale of drugs you could be prosecuted under Health and Safety Code Section 11370.9.
An HSC 11370.9 conviction can lead to:
- Fines: Up to $250,000
- Prison Time: Up to Four Years
Find out more about the exact money laundering charge you are facing at the state level by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Santa Clarita today.
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Federal Charges for Money Laundering in Santa Clarita
Federal charges are typically more severe than those used in the state court system. Money laundering charges are no exception to this general rule. Federal charges may apply if a money laundering operation crossed state lines, used interstate commerce, or moved over an international border.
The federal court system can prosecute money laundering charges using 18 U.S. Code 1956. A conviction for federal money laundering can result in:
- Fines: Up to $500,000
- Prison Time: Up to 20 Years
As you can see, any money laundering charge can have serious impacts on the rest of your life. Get help handling these severe criminal accusations by reaching out to the Simmrin Law Group now.
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Defending Against Money Laundering Charges in California
You do not have to simply accept money laundering accusations in Santa Clarita. Depending upon your legal situation, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to help you fight either state of federal money laundering charges.
The Simmrin Law Group can stand with you during interviews with law enforcement officers and prosecutors. You should not speak about your case without a criminal defense lawyer present. You can weaken your defense by discussing your case.
Our money laundering lawyers can also go over any plea bargains you are offered by the prosecution. These deals are often not designed to work in your favor, so you should not accept them without allowing a criminal defense lawyer to thoroughly review them.
Get the help you need handling your legal fight in state or federal court by contacting us now.
Protect Your Future with a Santa Clarita Money Laundering Lawyer
The rest of your life can be impacted if you are convicted of money laundering in California. Make sure you are ready to face these charges by speaking with a money laundering lawyer in Santa Clarita today. You can start going over your legal options with the Simmrin Law Group by completing our online contact form, or by calling (310) 896-2723.
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