Chicago Money Laundering Lawyer

Cook County Criminal Defense Attorney for Federal Money Laundering Charges

Of the different types of offenses that can be grouped into the category of federal white collar crimes, money laundering is among the most serious. Financial crimes are often related to other offenses that are investigated and prosecuted by government agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As these agencies take action against those who are suspected of committing drug crimes, bank fraud, or other federal crimes, they often put their resources to work against those who have allegedly committed related financial offenses, and defendants who are facing federal charges may be subject to severe consequences if they are convicted.

If you have been accused of money laundering or other federal white collar offenses, Attorney Hal Garfinkel can provide you with the defense you need. With over 20 years of experience and a record of success defending clients against a wide variety of federal and state charges, Mr. Garfinkel can help you build a winning defense strategy. He understands the techniques used by prosecutors, and he is prepared to build an effective defense and advocate on your behalf in the courtroom, helping you avoid a conviction and protecting your rights at every stage of your case.

Understanding Money Laundering Charges

Typically, money laundering involves actions intended to conceal the source of money earned through criminal activity. Because possession of a large amount of money without any explanation of where it came from would raise suspicion that a person had committed a crime, that person may take steps to make the money appear as if it was earned through legal activities. This could include transferring funds between multiple domestic or foreign accounts or mixing money into income earned from a legal business.

Charges of money laundering often accompany accusations of other federal crimes, such as drug trafficking, sex trafficking, wire fraud, or racketeering. However, money laundering is a serious offense on its own, and a person may be charged with this crime even if they were unaware of the specific crimes that were allegedly committed. If the defendant knew that money had been obtained through illegal means, and they were engaging in a transaction meant to conceal or disguise the source of funds or the person who owned the money, federal charges are possible.

The Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act gives government organizations broad authority to investigate and prosecute people who are suspected of being directly or indirectly involved in criminal activity. For example, agents may sometimes conduct undercover operations during which they will request that a person participate in laundering money that they claim was obtained illegally. If the person agrees to do so, this can be considered a prosecutable offense. A conviction on federal money laundering charges can result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years, as well as a fine of $500,000 or two times the amount of funds involved in a money laundering transaction, whichever amount is higher.

Contact a Chicago Money Laundering Defense Attorney

Federal cases involving money laundering can be very complex, and if you are facing these types of charges, it is crucial to have strong legal representation. Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel can help you demonstrate that you did not commit the alleged offense or show that you had no knowledge of any crimes committed and did not intend to participate in illegal activity. He will advise you of how to respond during a federal investigation or when testifying before a grand jury, and he will provide you with representation during a federal trial. Contact our Cook County federal crimes defense lawyer today at 312-629-0669 to schedule a free consultation. We answer calls 24 hours a day, and Mr. Garfinkel is available for evening and weekend appointments at off-site locations, including jails or holding facilities.