FEDERAL CRIMINAL LAWYERS

NJ Federal Money Laundering Defense Lawyers

Money laundering is a process used by drug dealers and white-collar criminals to make “dirty” money obtained by illegal activities look legitimate. The technique involves depositing the proceeds into a legitimate bank account, concealing transactions with fuzzy bookkeeping then withdrawing the money from a legitimate account. If you are charged with money laundering in New York, only a seasoned defense attorney can provide you the best defense.

Money laundering is an age-old tactic that can be either very simple or highly complex. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have spent many years going after money launderers. Proving money laundering can be an arduous task. People can be under investigation for years and never charged. This is why you should always seek out an experienced attorney if you face money laundering charges. Only a skilled attorney can provide you with the defense you deserve.

The penalty for a money laundering conviction can be quite severe. You could spend up to 20 years in prison and forced to pay up to $500,000 in fines.

Additionally, there are four categories under the New Jersey Money Laundering Law that can result in charges:

• If you are found to be in possession of the illegally acquired property, you could face charges
• If you engage in transactions to launder money. You can be convicted if it can be proven if you either facilitate a transaction or fail to report it.
• If you organize, facilitate, or plan a transaction that is acquired through criminal activity
• If you intentionally fail to report a transaction

However, federal prosecutors will have to establish and prove certain facts and circumstances such as intent. There are times when an individual may be engaging in money laundering activities under threat of violence, extortion, coercion, or even lack of knowledge. This is why it is imperative that you get a defense team who knows how to push back. Retain an attorney who has the experience and track record of success. Your freedom is too important to gamble on. Federal investigators are relentless. It is their job to secure a conviction at all costs.

Any good defense attorney will let you know the dos and don’ts regarding your money laundering case. You must follow their instructions very carefully. First of all, you will be advised to cease any questionable activity that can harm your case any further. If you are under investigation, you should assume that you are being watched, your phone lines bugged and other methods are being utilized to go against you. Never communicate to anyone about your case via phone, text, email, or any other electronic communication. The government can easily subpoena any of this to use against you. Never destroy documents. This will not bode well for you in court. Destruction of the property alone can net you an obstruction of justice charge. While the destruction of property can be fruitless — because electronic communication can often be retrieved — it is still foolish because it can be misconstrued as guilt.

Since money laundering charges can take a variety of levels, your defense attorney will have to craft a defense tailored to your needs. No one money laundering case is alike. The key is finding someone who knows how to challenge the charges head-on. The Spodek Law Group has successfully represented a number of clients facing money laundering charges. They will help you navigate the process from start to finish.

Give them a call today for a risk-free consultation.