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Money Laundering Lawyer

Money laundering is often depicted in movies and television as the way criminal enterprises are toppled. There is quite a bit of truth to this. While investigators may not have enough evidence to prosecute the underlying criminal activity, money laundering is much easier to prove, and the penalties can be just as severe. If you are facing money laundering charges, it is imperative that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. The money laundering lawyer at the Matassini Law Firm, P.A. aggressively defends clients charged with money laundering and other offenses. We are here for you in your time of need.

What is Money Laundering?

Money laundering is the process of making unlawfully obtained money appear to come from legitimate sources of business. For example, money obtained trafficking drugs could be funneled through a trucking company or warehouse and mixed in with the legitimate earnings of that business. What many individuals may not know is that it is far more simple to prove money laundering than to uncover a drug trafficking ring.

Elements of Money Laundering and Understanding Multiple Charges

When it comes to money laundering, offenders are often charged with multiple offenses—sometimes dozens. This is because each transaction can be charged as a separate offense, and even spending the money can result in additional charges under 18 U.S.C. Section 1957. For example, if an offender launders $100,0000, that is offense number one. If the offender then withdraws $30,000, that is a second offense. Withdrawing an additional $50,000 is a third offense. And withdrawing the final $20,000 is a fourth offense. However, prosecutors must prove the following for each act of money laundering:

  1. There was intent to promote the unlawful activity; and
  2. The defendant had knowledge that the transaction was designed to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of the assets derived from unlawful activity; or
  3. The defendant had knowledge that the transaction was designed to avoid a transaction reporting requirement under state or federal law.

Penalty for Money Laundering

While money laundering is a “white collar crime,” you need to understand just how seriously federal and state law prosecute money laundering offenders.

State law violations:

  • Less than $300—First degree misdemeanor: up to 1 year in jail
  • $300 to $19,999—Third degree felony: up to 5 years in prison
  • $20,000 to $99,999—Second degree felony: up to 15 years in prison
  • $100,000 or more—First degree felony: up to 30 years in prison
  • In addition to jail time, fines can be imposed for up to twice the amount laundered

Federal law violations:

  • Up to 20 years in prison and fines doubling the amount laundered

Call a Money Laundering Lawyer Today

Money laundering is a serious crime. Each transaction, and each withdrawal, can result in a separate charge. As such, you may be facing decades behind bars. To explore your options of defense before it is too late, you must reach out to a Tampa money laundering lawyer immediately. Call The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. today at 813-217-5715 to schedule a free consultation.

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The experience you need in your pursuit of justice

The greatest distinguishing feature among attorneys is their level of experience. Our firm has more than 60 years of legal experience, much of it spent in the courtroom at trial. As a result, our Tampa criminal defense lawyers rarely encounter an unfamiliar situation and can thoroughly answer your urgent questions. Our criminal defense practice features a board certified criminal trial lawyer and two former prosecutors with impressive knowledge of trial tactics and procedures.

The resources to provide quality representation for the length of your case

Whether your case involves a crime or injury, your attorney must be prepared to take the case all the way through trial to verdict. Many defense attorneys advance the cost of litigation, so they can only last so long before financial pressures start to mount. As a client, you have to wonder whether an attorney's advice to settle your case reflects the quality of the offer or their need to get paid. Fortunately, The Matassini Law Firm has the resources to pursue civil verdicts and settlements that reflect the actual value of your case.

Call our Tampa Bay criminal attorneys for a free consultation

A crisis in your life calls for capable and compassionate assistance. The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. addresses your needs all the way through the legal process. For your free initial confidential conference with one of our Tampa criminal defense attorneys, call us today at 813-217-5715 or contact us online.

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