Tustin Money Laundering Lawyer
Protecting The Financial Interests of California Residents
At the Law Offices of Visco & Selyem, we understand the complexities and severity of money laundering charges in California. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to clients facing money laundering allegations. If you or your business is involved in a money laundering case, our Tustin money laundering lawyers are here to protect your rights and vigorously defend your interests.
Call the Law Offices of Visco & Selyem today at (714) 908-9080 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our money laundering attorney in Tustin!
What is Money Laundering?
Money laundering refers to concealing the origins of illicitly obtained funds by making them appear legal and legitimate. This is achieved by passing the money through various transactions or financial systems to obscure its trustworthy source and make it appear clean. Money laundering aims to make illegal proceeds appear as if they were obtained through legal means.
Money laundering can involve various methods and techniques, such as structuring transactions to avoid reporting requirements, using shell companies or offshore accounts, or even investing illicit funds into legitimate businesses or assets. The underlying crimes that generate illicit funds include drug trafficking, fraud, corruption, embezzlement, and other criminal activities.
What are the Penalties for Money Laundering in California?
California takes money laundering crimes seriously, imposing severe penalties on those convicted. The specific penalties vary depending on the amount of money involved, the nature of the underlying offense, and the defendant's criminal history. Generally, money laundering charges can be prosecuted as either a felony or a misdemeanor, with potential consequences including:
Felony Money Laundering:
- Imprisonment: Up to 20 years in state prison.
- Fines: Substantial fines, potentially up to hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
- Asset Forfeiture: The government may seize any assets connected to the money laundering activity, including properties, vehicles, and financial accounts.
Misdemeanor Money Laundering:
- Imprisonment: Up to one year in county jail.
- Fines: Up to $1,000.
It is important to note that money laundering charges are often accompanied by other criminal charges related to the underlying offense, such as drug trafficking or fraud. Consequently, the penalties can be even more severe when multiple charges are involved. Our skilled Tustin money laundering lawyers deeply understand California's legal landscape and will work diligently to build a strong defense tailored to your specific circumstances.
Defenses Against Money Laundering Charges
When facing money laundering charges, it is crucial to have a skilled defense attorney who can explore various defense strategies to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences. Some common defenses against money laundering charges in California include:
- Lack of Knowledge: If you were unaware that the funds you handled were derived from criminal activity, you might have a viable defense. Proving your lack of knowledge is essential in challenging money laundering allegations.
- Insufficient Evidence: Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly examine the prosecution's evidence to identify any weaknesses or inconsistencies that could doubt your involvement in the money laundering scheme.
- Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an unlawful search or seizure, any evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court.
- Entrapment: If you can demonstrate that you were coerced or induced by law enforcement to engage in money laundering, an entrapment defense may be applicable.
Contact Our Tustin Money Laundering Attorney Today
Money laundering charges can have far-reaching consequences, jeopardizing your reputation, financial stability, and personal freedom. With the help of the Law Offices of Visco & Selyem, you can rest assured that you have a dedicated team of Tustin money laundering lawyers fighting for your rights and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Our attorneys deeply understand California's complex money laundering laws and have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against such charges.
Contact Law Offices of Visco & Selyem today to schedule a FREE consultation with our money laundering lawyer in Tustin!