Fighting Serious Financial Crime Allegations
Money laundering is one of the most heavily prosecuted financial offenses throughout Texas and all of the United States. Those accused of money laundering or under investigation might endure serious consequences, including imprisonment, confiscation of assets, and permanent harm to their reputation. Both federal and state prosecutors handle money laundering cases as urgent matters.
Our seasoned attorneys at Hilder & Associates, P.C. possess knowledge in handling intricate financial crime cases that cover money laundering, wire fraud, and organized criminal activity. Our team operates efficiently to contest evidence and safeguard your rights while fighting for the optimal outcome of your case.
Contact 713-655-9111 today to receive a confidential consultation from an experienced money laundering attorney in Houston.
What Is Money Laundering in Texas?
Money laundering is the practice of disguising the source of illegal money to make it look legally obtained. The Texas Penal Code § 34.02 prohibits intentional activities related to illegal financial transactions. Some elements of money laundering in Texas include the following:
- Conducting a transaction involving criminal proceeds
- Enabling the movement or transfer of money that has been acquired through illegal means.
- Handling investments or accepting funds that are recognized as being connected to criminal activities.
Both state and federal authorities have jurisdiction over money laundering cases, depending on the size of the offense and whether it involves crossing state or country borders.
Examples of Common Money Laundering Schemes
Money laundering activities vary from basic operations to intricate schemes. By taking part in any aspect of the money laundering operation, you risk facing severe charges regardless of your connection to the initial crime. A money laundering attorney from Houston can assess your risk exposure and build up your legal defense. Common examples include:
- Using shell companies to disguise illegal income
- Manipulating bank deposits to stay below federal reporting limits through “smurfing” techniques
- Acquiring high-end goods or real estate through funds obtained from criminal activities
- Routing funds through offshore accounts
- Commingling illegal profits with legitimate business revenue
Federal Money Laundering Charges
The 18 U.S. Code § 1956 and § 1957 define federal money laundering charges against financial transactions that utilize proceeds from certain illegal activities. The FBI, IRS, and DEA investigations usually encompass these money laundering charges. Federal prosecutors have extensive resources and ample time to develop their cases, which necessitate equally experienced legal representation from the outset.
Federal cases may involve:
- Surveillance and wiretapping
- Financial investigation and indictments.
- Multiple defendants and allegations of conspiracy
- Civil confiscation of assets or accounts
How Does the Government Prove Money Laundering?
The government must establish multiple essential elements to successfully convict someone of money laundering. The prosecuting party must initially demonstrate that the money involved in the case resulted from criminal activities.
The prosecution must demonstrate that the defendant was aware that the money originated from unlawful activities. They need to establish that the defendant performed a financial transaction with the purpose of hiding or disguising where the funds came from or who controlled them.
Prosecutors construct their cases by examining bank records alongside emails, wire transfers, using business documents, and cooperating witnesses. Demonstrating the defendant’s knowledge and intent remains the most challenging element, but a strong legal defense is crucial at this stage.
Legal Defenses to Money Laundering Charges
Money laundering cases are often circumstantial and rely on assumptions about financial intent. Depending on the facts, your attorney may challenge the prosecution’s narrative using defenses such as:
- Lack of Awareness: You were unaware that the money was linked to illicit activity.
- No Illicit Proceeds: The money originated from a respectable source.
- Insufficient Evidence: The state cannot prove all elements of the offense.
- Entrapment: You were influenced by law enforcement to do the act.
- Mistaken Identity: You were not the person who carried out the transaction.
What to Do If You’re Under Investigation
Prompt legal action can typically help stop charges from being filed or secure beneficial negotiations before going to court. Contact an experienced lawyer about money laundering investigations immediately if you believe you’re under scrutiny or if authorities have reached out to you.
- Avoid talking to investigators unless a lawyer is present with you.
- Do not transfer large amounts of money to protect yourself from potential legal issues.
- Keep all your financial records intact and refrain from deleting digital communications.
- A money laundering lawyer should be consulted to ensure your rights are protected.
When Money Laundering Charges Are Tied to Other Crimes
Money laundering charges frequently accompany allegations of separate criminal activities. Legal authorities regularly combine money laundering charges with other allegations, including fraud, drug trafficking, organized crime, tax evasion, and conspiracy charges.
You could face laundering charges from prosecutors based on their belief that you assisted in concealing illegal proceeds, even without direct involvement in the primary offense. The linkage of money laundering to other crimes creates more challenging and serious legal situations for defendants.
A Houston money laundering attorney with extensive experience can assist you by disentangling accusations and contesting evidence while striving to lessen or get rid of overlapping charges when feasible.
Why Choose Hilder & Associates, P.C.?
Our law firm has gained recognition all over Houston and beyond because we succeed in managing intricate financial crime cases. Our team possesses extensive criminal defense knowledge to support you through cases involving major business deals, cryptocurrency dealings, cross-border transfers, or federal conspiracy prosecutions.
Our staff includes former prosecutors who understand opposing legal teams’ techniques. We have access to forensic accountants and financial professionals. We utilize effective negotiators and courtroom litigators. We have a track record of achieving excellent results in essential legal cases.
Call a Houston Money Laundering Attorney Today
The stakes for your freedom and financial future are at their highest point. Seek legal assistance immediately before charges are filed or court dates are established. Hilder & Associates, P.C. provides strategic and aggressive defense representation for individuals accused of financial crimes in both state and federal courts.
Our Houston money laundering attorneys are available to protect your rights at every stage. Schedule a free initial consultation by calling 713-655-9111.
