Federal Money Laundering Defense Lawyer in West Palm Beach
There is a global crackdown on money laundering, with the United States government leading the charge. Prosecuting this particular crime has become a priority due to its ties to organized crime and drug trafficking and, as such, includes steep penalties. Even though it is a non-violent offense, you can face up to 20 years in federal prison and pay as much as $500,000 in fines.
The potential sentence is terrifying on its own, but when you add in the potential damage to your reputation, it may seem that all hope is lost . However, doing nothing and ignoring the charge is not an option right now. Instead, fight back with help from our West Palm Beach federal money laundering defense attorney. Ronald S. Chapman has negotiated, settled, and tried cases in federal court for over 34 years and will vigorously defend you.
Stages of Laundering Money
The federal government investigates each stage of money laundering when building a case. The stages are:
- Placement
- Layering
- Integration
Your West Palm Beach federal money laundering defense attorney will investigate the money trail while working on your case. By tracing the money from stage to stage, your lawyer can develop a strategy to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
What Is Money Laundering?
Money obtained from illegal activities such as fraud and drug trafficking is considered “dirty,” and dirty money is a red flag for federal prosecutors.
Because the money trail is so complex, errors can occur when investigating these cases. Additionally, some people are unwittingly caught in money laundering schemes without knowing that any criminal activity has occurred.
While you cannot make the charges disappear, you can take steps to defend yourself. First, consult with a West Palm Beach federal money laundering attorney. Your lawyer will investigate the money trail, searching for evidence to help clear your name. The government has likely spent many months investigating you, so do not delay in getting a lawyer to represent you.
Money Laundering Defense Strategies
Your defense attorney will need to review all the evidence, including witness statements and financial transactions, before determining the best way to defend you. In some instances, the attorney discovers that the federal government does not have the evidence that is needed to obtain a conviction. Other times, it becomes clear that the money was legally acquired or obtained without the client’s knowledge. Additionally, your attorney may discover that you were actually pressured into doing something that you did not want to do.
Your West Palm Beach money laundering defense lawyer needs time to prepare your defense strategy, so schedule a consultation today.
When Should You Hire An Attorney?
Some people wait until they are officially charged to contact an attorney. By that point, the federal government has typically spent a long time building its case against you. Fortunately, you may be able to get in front of the situation by hiring a lawyer before you have been formally charged. For example, if the federal government questions you about a potential scheme, it is wise to have an attorney by your side, even if you have not been charged. Additionally, it can be helpful to talk to a money laundering defense attorney in West Palm Beach if a close associate of yours is being investigated.
Statute Of Limitations
The federal government has up to five years from the date of the alleged crime to bring charges against you. While it might not wait the entire five years, the government normally takes its time building a case. Your West Palm Beach money laundering defense attorney can use that time to collect evidence to support your defense. Then you will be ready to fight the charges as soon as your case is actually filed in court.