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David J.P. Kaloyanides | A Professional Law Corporation
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A Board-Certified Specialist In Criminal Law By The California Board Of Legal Specialization

Experienced Representation For Federal Money Laundering Charges

A federal money laundering charge can put a person’s freedom, finances and reputation at risk. These cases are complex. They can carry severe penalties and often require quick decisions.

If you are facing a money laundering case, understanding the legal options early can help you decide what to do next.

At David J.P. Kaloyanides, A Professional Law Corporation, clients benefit from the experience of attorney David J.P. Kaloyanides, who has defended complex federal criminal cases for more than 30 years. As a board-certified Criminal Law Specialist, he understands the challenges of federal money laundering investigations and provides experienced legal guidance at every stage of the case.

What Is Money Laundering?

Money laundering is the act of making illegal money look legal. It often involves three stages:

  • Placement: Putting money into the financial system. For example, someone may deposit cash into a bank account or use it to buy financial instruments.
  • Layering: Moving money through several transactions to hide where it came from. This may include transferring funds between several accounts or businesses.
  • Integration: Using the money so it looks legal. For example, someone may use the money to buy real estate, invest in a business or purchase other valuable assets.

Not every money laundering case follows all three stages. Some involve only one transaction, while others involve many transactions over time. Whether an act qualifies as money laundering depends on the evidence and federal law.

Federal Money Laundering Laws

Federal money laundering laws are mainly found in 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956 and 1957. These laws cover transactions involving money from criminal activity.

Section 1956 covers financial transactions involving money from criminal activity. To convict someone, prosecutors usually must prove the transaction was meant to hide the source of the money, promote more criminal activity or avoid federal reporting requirements.

Section 1957 covers certain transactions involving more than $10,000 in money or property from criminal activity. Prosecutors generally must prove the defendant knowingly took part in the transaction. They do not always have to prove the defendant tried to hide the source of the money.

Penalties For Federal Money Laundering

A conviction for money laundering can result in serious criminal penalties. These penalties may include:

  • Federal prison time: A conviction may result in years in federal prison.
  • Criminal fines: The court may impose substantial fines.
  • Asset forfeiture: The government may seize money or property connected to the alleged crime.
  • Restitution: When allowed by law, the court may order repayment to victims.
  • Supervised release: After leaving prison, a person may have to follow court-ordered conditions under federal supervision.
  • A felony conviction: A conviction may affect future employment, professional licenses and a person’s reputation.

A conviction can affect a person’s future for years, which is why learning about the legal options early can make a significant difference.

Possible Defense Strategies

Every money laundering case is different. An experienced money laundering defense lawyer will review the evidence, identify weaknesses and prepare a defense strategy tailored to your situation. A defense may include:

  • Challenging the government’s evidence: Prosecutors must prove every part of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. A defense attorney may argue that the evidence falls short of that standard.
  • Showing the money was not tied to criminal activity: The government must show the money came from criminal activity. A defense attorney may dispute that claim.
  • Challenging illegally obtained evidence: A defense attorney may ask the court to exclude evidence from an unlawful search or seizure.
  • Negotiating with prosecutors: In some cases, negotiating with prosecutors may help avoid a trial.

Getting legal help early can protect a client’s rights during an investigation or prosecution. A skilled money laundering defense attorney like Mr. Kaloyanides can explain the process, discuss the available options and guide you through each stage of the case.

Decades Of Federal Criminal Experience

When a federal criminal case is at stake, experience matters. Mr. Kaloyanides is a board-certified Criminal Law Specialist who has defended clients in complex federal criminal cases for more than 30 years. He has served as lead trial counsel in more than 400 cases throughout California.

Mr. Kaloyanides has defended clients in complex federal criminal cases. He explains the legal process, reviews the government’s evidence and develops a defense based on each client’s situation. Throughout the case, he helps clients understand their options and prepare for each stage.

Consult A Money Laundering Defense Lawyer

If you are under investigation or facing a money laundering charge, seek legal guidance as early as possible. David J.P. Kaloyanides, A Professional Law Corporation, can explain the charges, discuss the legal options and begin building your defense today.

Call 213-589-3427 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.