Money laundering is the criminal offense of depositing proceeds from any illegal activity into the bank. Because it is broadly and simply defined, these charges may come up in a number of variable situations. For example, a dealer could be guilty of money laundering with the proceeds of a drug exchange. Receiving and depositing a bribe or payment for illegally sold prescription drugs could also fall under these charges.
Money laundering can be brought for seemingly minor activities, so those facing these accusations may not even understand why they are being charged. This offense is commonly tacked onto federal cases to increase penalties, and it is often easy for prosecution to secure a conviction. As such, individuals accused of federal money laundering in Charleston should seek immediate legal counsel from a proactive defense attorney at Adams & Bischoff.
Money Laundering Investigation
For this type of financial crime, any of the major federal law enforcement agencies may be involved in an investigation. This will typically be either the FBI or the DEA, but the Secret Services may also be involved for certain currency crimes. Because these charges can apply to many different circumstances, various other agencies may investigate for specific scenarios. For instance, if someone improperly obtained money for illegal guns, then ATF might get involved in that particular money laundering case.
When a Charleston resident is charged with money laundering, the first thing their retained attorney will want to look at is their bank account to see if they had sole control. A diligent legal defense team will also consider who else had control over the account and whether the allegedly laundered money was actually from illegal activity. There are a number of questions that must be answered at the beginning of a money laundering investigation in order to build a strong defense for a potential trial.
How Could the Government Prove Money Laundering?
Like other federal financial crimes cases, the government may issue an administrative subpoena to a bank. This will allow them to have access to all of the deposits and withdrawal from the particular account, which can help them investigate the source of the allegedly illegal funds.
Additionally, the federal prosecution may rely on witnesses in proving illegal activity. Most money laundering cases contain a combination of direct and circumstantial evidence.
Adding Money Laundering Charges to Other Offenses
It is important to remember that because these charges are often easily convicted, the government may add them to much lower level offenses. These can increase the penalties associated with any indictment. As such, those who have been accused of multiple crimes in Charleston, including ancillary charges of federal money laundering, should consult with a skilled defense lawyer on an effective strategy to combat the allegations.
Consult a Charleston Defense Attorney for Federal Money Laundering Cases
A common misconception about money laundering is that it is only committed by wealthy individuals depositing large amounts of illegal funds. Many individuals do not understand how easily applicable these charges can be and how frequently they are added to lower level offenses.
Anyone who is facing federal criminal charges should retain rigorous legal counsel immediately. For cases involving federal money laundering in Charleston, a dedicated attorney could assess the facts of the situation to determine a legal defense strategy, such as arguing that somebody else had access to the bank account or that the funds were obtained legally. If you believe you are under investigation or have been charged for federal money laundering, call our firm today for consultation.
