Orlando Money Laundering Lawyer
When an individual acquires monetary funds illegally, and devises a scheme to present those funds as having been acquired lawfully, money laundering has occurred. A federal crime, money laundering is also against Florida’s state law as well. The Orlando, Tampa, and Miami money laundering lawyers at the Baez Law Firm can help you to understand all of your rights under the law, and what to do if you are facing money laundering charges. Contact our Orlando money laundering lawyers for all white collar crime defense opportunities.
What Is Considered Money Laundering in Florida
Under Florida 2015 Statute Chapter 896 – Offenses Related to Financial Transactions, money laundering is considered to be:
Knowing that the property involved in a financial transaction represents the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity.
Money laundering can be committed regardless of the type of crime from which the money is acquired. For example, money that is acquired from drug sales may be laundered, as may money that comes from tax fraud. The IRS provides multiple examples of money laundering on its website.
Penalties for Money Laundering
The penalties for money laundering are more severe depending upon the amount of funds that are laundered. Per the same section of Florida code cited above, financial transactions that exceed $300 but less than $20,00 in any 12-month period are punishable as a third degree felony; financial transactions exceeding $20,000 but less than $100,000 in any 12-month period are punishable as a second degree felony; and any financial transaction exceeding $100,000 is punishable as a first degree felony. A person may face civil and criminal penalties.
In Florida, a first degree felony charge is punishable by up to 30 years in prison unless otherwise specified.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You
The best defense to a money laundering charge is to claim a lack of knowledge; that the defendant was not aware that the funds were coming from an illegal source. However, this defense cannot always be proven, or does not hold up in court. If this is the case, you need a smart criminal defense lawyer who can explore other defense options, or who can help you negotiate a plea deal or a lesser sentence. Trying to represent yourself in court without an lawyer on your side is never recommended, and usually results in a less-than-ideal outcome for the defendant.
What Sets the Baez Law Firm Apart
Our years’ worth of experience representing clients in high profile cases – where the possible consequences were grave – combined with our passionate legal team helps to give us the edge that your case needs. We do the work where others will not, and have the resources and access to experts that your case demands. Of course, we also speak Spanish, offer free initial consultations, and are available around the clock, any time of day.
To schedule your initial case consultation with our determined Orlando money laundering lawyers after being charged with money laundering in Florida, dial 800-588-BAEZ. You can also contact us by filling out our line form.