A: The two primary ways to fight a money laundering charge is to prove that either you were unaware of an illegal source of funds or that the source was actually legal. If either of these points can be proven beyond doubt, your charge may be reduced or even dropped entirely. A knowledgeable attorney who has previously handled money laundering cases can help you build the right defense for your unique circumstances.
Miami Federal Money Laundering Lawyer
Miami Federal Money Laundering Attorney
Money laundering is a serious offense in the United States and can wreak havoc on a person’s professional reputation. The legal penalties, such as imprisonment and fines, are harsh and unforgiving. If you have been charged with money laundering in Miami, it is important to seek aid from a skilled Miami federal money laundering lawyer as soon as possible. Working with an experienced lawyer is one of the smartest ways to protect your rights and livelihood. For broader legal expertise, consulting a Miami federal criminal defense lawyer can provide comprehensive support in navigating complex federal charges. Working with an experienced lawyer is one of the smartest ways to protect your rights and livelihood.
What Is Considered Money Laundering in Florida?
Money laundering, in short, is considered to be any action that disguises or conceals the origin point of money that was obtained through illegal business. The laundering of money can take on various forms. The following are just a few of the most common types:
- Cash Business Laundering. Cash business laundering occurs when a business that predominantly receives cash intake inflates its daily profit recordings in order to deposit illegal funds. Businesses such as restaurants, convenience stores, and laundromats are all considered cash businesses.
- Real Estate Money Laundering. Real estate money laundering occurs when an individual or criminal group acts behind a shell company in order to purchase real estate and thereby convert funds into what appears to be legitimate assets.
- Gambling Laundering. Gambling laundering occurs when illegal money is used to obtain chips in a casino and gambled with. The money won during the gambling process then appears to have come from a legitimate source, and the casino even provides a paper trail.
Sentencing for a Money Laundering Charge in Florida
There are many factors that must be taken into consideration when an individual is being tried for money laundering in Florida, ranging from the amount of money that was laundered to how many people were involved and the intent behind their actions.
For example, while a person may be aware that the money they are laundering comes from an illegal source, they may not know where exactly it is coming from. For such an individual, it may be possible that their sentence is reduced for lack of this specific knowledge, as there are others who may be acting more manipulatively behind closed doors.
Another factor that is considered is the type of illegal activity from which the money originated. If the specific crimes can be traced, the severity of sentencing may depend on the severity of the crime. For example, penalties for laundering money obtained through the human trafficking of children may be more severe than for money obtained through health care fraud. Consulting with a lawyer can help you better understand the exact consequences you may be facing.
The Main Aspects of a Money Laundering Offense in Florida
It can be difficult to determine the full extent of a person’s guilt if they were not involved in every step of the laundering process. In many instances of money laundering, an individual is only involved in certain steps of the offense. However, anyone involved in any of the three main aspects of the laundering process can be charged with the crime:
- Placement: Placement is the first step of the money laundering process. This refers to the act of entering the money obtained from illegal actions into the official financial system. This step alone is considered illegal, and an individual found guilty of doing so in Florida may be charged.
- Layering: Layering can take many forms. This is the process of creating false sources of profit through which the illegal money is exchanged. There may be multiple instances of layering, depending on how complex the laundering scheme is. For example, layering can look like a cash business documenting that they provided services that they never actually performed.
- Integration: Integration is the last step in the process where an individual receives their money back from illegitimate sources, allowing them to now use it as they please.
Participating in any step of the money laundering process can result in criminal charges. A lawyer who understands the details of financial crime laws can help you build the right defense for your case. Do not wait to seek legal aid from an experienced money laundering lawyer from our firm.
FAQs
Work With a Skilled Miami Money Laundering Lawyer Today
Money laundering is a serious offense in both Florida and the rest of the country. Because of this, a conviction of this weight can have an immense impact on an individual’s personal and professional life. If you or a loved one have been charged with money laundering, it is vital that you find an experienced lawyer who can adequately represent your side of the story and protect your rights.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you fight a money laundering charge in Miami.
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