Lexington Money Laundering Defense Lawyer

• Bribery, sports bribery, corruption, counterfeiting and cybercrime
• Drug trafficking and other drug crimes
• Embezzlement and embezzlement of union funds
• Human trafficking, migrant smuggling, kidnapping and hostage-taking
• Insider trading, money laundering and tax evasion
• Interstate transportation of stolen property
• Health care fraud, mail fraud, mortgage fraud and obstruction of justice
• Murder for hire, robbery and theft, piracy, identity theft and wire fraud
• Terrorism, theft from interstate shipments and counterfeit goods trafficking

In many cases, the penalties for money laundering are more severe than those for the predicate offense. Someone accused of money laundering may or may not be part of the predicate offense, and a money laundering transaction can be informal and unrelated to an organized scheme. For example, if your friend robbed a bank and you offered to allow them to put a duffel bag of cash in your attic for safekeeping, the act of handing cash over to you could continue a qualifying transaction to launder money.

Money Laundering 18 U.S.C. § 1956 And 18 U.S.C. § 1957

Conducting financial transactions with proceeds from crimes became illegal with the passage of the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986. If you are charged with a federal crime for money laundering, your charges will be under:

• 18 U.S.C. § 1956 – Laundering of monetary instruments: This statute outlaws four types of laundering: promotional, concealment, structuring and tax evasion. A conviction of this charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000 for each transaction charged.
• 18 U.S.C. § 1957 – Engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity: This statute prohibits depositing or spending more than $10,000 of the proceeds from a predicate offense. A conviction of this charge carries with it a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of the greater of $250,000 ($500,000 for an organization) – or twice the amount involved in the transaction. Violations of this section also carry civil penalties – $10,000 or the value of the property involved in the crime.

At Oakley & Oakley, LLC, I have extensive experience representing clients in criminal matters in federal court, including cases involving money laundering. I am dedicated to achieving the most favorable outcomes for my clients. Whether I am investigating, negotiating, advocating or litigating, I aggressively fight for the best results and protect my clients’ reputations and futures.

Three Elements Of Money Laundering

Money laundering can take many forms. It may be exchanged for foreign currencies, used to acquire assets (to later be sold) including real estate, fine art, and gold. The owner of a large thoroughbred horse racing organization was even accused of being a money launderer for a large multi-level cryptocurrency scam. According to the FBI, money laundering usually involves three elements:

1. Placement: This is the initial use of illegally acquired, or “dirty,” money. It could involve exchanging tainted money for foreign currency or gambling chips.
2. Layering: Sometimes called the “structuring” stage, the layering stage involves concealing the source of money. In the gambling example, gambling chips may be turned in for a cashier’s check. Money can be layered multiple times and may be used to invest in legitimate business endeavors, like buying rental properties.
3. Integration: The final stage of money laundering is the return to the source after it has been laundered. When the recipient finally receives a large sum of money, it will look to be legitimate. For example, a valuable painting may be auctioned off, a piece of real estate may be sold or a business may be liquidated. This might be years down the line, and, in some cases, funds may not ever be fully integrated. If someone uses laundered funds to purchase income-producing real estate assets, the integration is not the sale of the property but the receipt of rental income. If you are facing money laundering charges in Lexington, you need an aggressive, compassionate lawyer who will work quickly to get evidence suppressed and charges reduced or dismissed. Resist the urge to destroy evidence or ignore communications. Before you do anything, talk to me at Oakley & Oakley, LLC, as soon as possible.

Collateral Consequences To Money Laundering Charges

Long after time is served and fines are paid, people convicted of money laundering may have to deal with collateral consequences – these are the penalties of a criminal conviction that are not part of the direct consequences (prison, fines and probation). This can include the loss of a professional license, restrictions on firearm possession, the inability to secure employment or work as a government contractor and more. Many businesses in Kentucky have policies preventing the hiring of felons. On a more personal level, criminal convictions can prevent people from participating in volunteer opportunities or even adopting a child or stepchild. Because money laundering is often connected to other criminal penalties, collateral consequences may result from all charges.

Get A Free Legal Consultation With A Lexington Money Laundering Defense Lawyer

For questions regarding money laundering charges, contact me, the Lexington money laundering defense attorney at Oakley & Oakley, LLC. I fully understand everything that is at stake and will do everything possible to keep you out of jail and your legal rights intact. Because time is of the essence when criminal charges are pending, do not wait to talk to a lawyer in Lexington. Call me at to schedule your free phone or video consultation.