Money Laundering

Money laundering is a serious offense that is commonly charged in both drug cases and white collar crime cases. Under Texas law, laundering of money occurs whenever money from criminal activity is used for purchases, investments, or other transactions.

The purpose of money laundering is typically to conceal the fact that the money originated from criminal activity. Because money laundering is usually involved in costly corporate fraud cases and fuels illegal drug activity, it is heavily prosecuted at both the state and federal levels.

Charges & Penalties

In the state of Texas, any money laundering offense is charged as a felony. The severity of the charge depends upon how much money was used in the laundering attempt. The charges are broken down as follows:

• State jail felony: Laundering $1,500 to $20,000
• Third degree felony: Laundering $20,000 to $100,000
• Second degree felony: Laundering $100,000 to $200,000
• First degree felony: Laundering $200,000 or more

If the laundering conducted by an individual is completed in small amounts over a period of time, all of the amounts laundered will typically be added together to determine the severity of the charge. Clearly even just one money laundering conviction could result in a severe sentence that includes years of jail or prison time and possibly even life in prison, depending on the circumstances. The defendant could also be charged up to $10,000 in fines for a single offense.

How a Lawyer Can Help

If you have been arrested for money laundering, consider consulting a criminal defense attorney immediately. Money laundering charges are typically included with a number of related charges, such as fraud, embezzlement, drug offenses, and more. You will likely face an aggressive prosecution in court who will try to have you convicted to the full extent of the law. A criminal defense lawyer will protect your rights throughout your court proceeding and will fight to defend your case against an overzealous prosecution.

Contact Us

Don’t enter the courtroom feeling unprepared. For sound legal advice and assistance with preparing your defense against criminal charges, please contact experienced Austin criminal lawyer Ian Inglis today at 512-472-1950