Los Angeles Money Laundering Defense Lawyer

At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles money laundering defense attorney has the professional skills and legal expertise to defend the full range of white-collar criminal charges. If you or someone close to you were charged with money laundering, we can help. Contact us at our Los Angeles law office today to set up a private, no-obligation consultation with a California white-collar defense lawyer.

An Overview of Money Laundering Charges

Broadly explained, money laundering is a criminal offense that involves concealing funds obtained through an illegal origin by channeling those funds through complex transactions and financial systems. In practice, there are generally three distinct phases of a money laundering operation:

1. Placement of funds into the financial system;
2. The layering of those funds through numerous transactions; and
3. The integration of funds—where the ‘cleaned’ money re-enters the economy as seemingly legal assets.

In California, money laundering is a serious criminal offense. The charge arises under California Penal Code § 186.10. Notably, prosecutors in our state must prove three separate elements to obtain a conviction in a money laundering case:

1. The defendant conducted, or attempted to conduct a financial transaction or series of transactions using the banking system;
2. The total value of the transactions exceeded $5,000 (seven-day period) or $25,000 (one-month period); and
3. The defendant acted with specific intent to promote criminal activity and/or with specific intent to disguise the proceeds of criminal activity.

Potential Defenses Against a Money Laundering Charge in California

Defending against a criminal money laundering charge requires a robust and well-presented legal strategy. How exactly a money laundering charge should be defended will always depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Some of the most common defenses include:

• Lack of Intent: California prosecutors must prove criminal intent to sustain a money laundering charge. If there is no intent to disguise funds, there is no money laundering;
• Lack of Knowledge: A defendant can argue that they were unaware that the money was from illegal activities. Knowledge of criminal activity is a requirement.
• Legal Source of Funds: Were the funds actually legal? That may be a valid defense. A defendant can present evidence demonstrating that the money was from a legitimate source.
• Insufficient Evidence: Remember, the burden of proof always rests on the prosecution. Defendants can challenge the sufficiency and reliability of the evidence.

The Penalties for Money Laundering in California

Money laundering is a serious criminal charge. It can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the specific nature of the allegations. You will sometimes hear this type of offense referred to as a “wobbler” in California. Here is an overview of the potential penalties for a money laundering conviction in California:

• Misdemeanor Money Laundering: Up to one year in county jail and a maximum $1,000 fine.
• Felony Money Laundering:. Up to four years in state prison and a maximum fine of twice the amount laundered (up to $250,000).

How Money Laundering Relates to Other Criminal Offenses

Money laundering is often intrinsically linked to other criminal offenses. As it requires underlying criminal activity, there may be multiple, overlapping criminal charges filed against the defendant. For example, alleged drug traffickers may engage in money laundering to legitimize the proceeds from drug sales. Along the same lines, those involved in fraud schemes might launder money to obscure the connection between their fraudulent activities and the acquired funds. If you are facing a money laundering charge in Southern California, it is imperative that you are represented by a top Los Angeles white-collar criminal defense lawyer who can provide comprehensive representation.

How Our California Money Laundering Attorneys Can Help

Money laundering charges are complicated. You have the right to raise a zealous, vigorous defense strategy. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our firm provides proactive legal representation. We invest time, resources, and personal attention into every case that we take on. When you reach out to our team, you will have a chance to work with a Los Angeles white-collar defense attorney who can:

● Hear your story and answer questions about your money laundering case;

● Carefully investigate the money laundering charges—gathering evidence; and

● Develop a personalized legal strategy focused on protecting your rights and future.

Get Help From Our Los Angeles Money Laundering Defense Lawyer Today

At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles white-collar defense attorneys have the professional and legal expertise to defend money laundering charges. We provide solutions-focused legal representation. Give us a call now at (213) 985-1120 or connect with us online to arrange your completely confidential, no-obligation initial appointment. Our firm defends money laundering charges in Los Angeles and throughout the surrounding region in Southern California.