Money Laundering and Drug Crimes

What is money laundering?

A common practice of those involved in drug crimes such as transportation, trafficking, cultivation and manufacturing on a large scale is money laundering. Due to the intense scrutiny given to these activities by law enforcement officials at all levels, from local police to federal investigators, it is necessary to obscure the source of funds as well as the profits derived from them. Money launderers employ various methods, but the underlying idea is to carry out multiple transfers of funds in order to make it difficult or impossible to track back the origination point. If you have been charged with money laundering, it is vital for you to speak with a knowledgeable Los Angeles drug crime attorney who can advise you of your rights and represent you with investigators.

The Money Laundering Control Act makes it a federal crime for anyone to engage in financial transactions using money related to a drug crime. This means that you can be charged for money laundering as a separate offense from anything else you are accused of, such as possession with intent, sale or distribution. A conviction for money laundering can result in a prison sentence of 20 years and fines of either $500,000 or double the amount of money involved in the alleged crime. You can also be punished by asset forfeiture, meaning the police of the U.S Marshals could confiscate your car, house or other property that is suspected of being obtained using laundered funds.

Drug Crime Attorney in Los Angeles

The team at Okabe & Haushalter can help you fight a charge of money laundering, no matter how serious the case may be. There are several ways to defend in cases of this type, and we have the experience and legal knowledge necessary to challenge the evidence that forms the foundation of the allegations against you. You have no time to waste in retaining legal counsel, because when you have been named as a suspect you will be under intense scrutiny from investigators trying to build the case and secure a guilty verdict.

Contact a Los Angeles drug crime attorney when you face the possibility of a conviction for money laundering and want to take swift and effective action to defend your rights.