Tampa 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 Tampa 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:
- There was intent to promote the unlawful activity; and
- 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
- 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 Tampa 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.
