Money Laundering Crimes

Money Laundering

Money laundering is an offense which was, at one time, considered to mostly be committed by organized crime institutions. It can now be extended to include individuals and businesses, large and small. Money laundering is the process of using complex financial transactions in order to deposit illegally obtained funds and can include tax evasion and false accounting. It is generally divided into three steps: placement, layering, and integration.

Process

Placement is the first and most dangerous step in the money laundering process because government officials are on the constant lookout for large, especially cash, deposits. Placement is the act of getting the illegal funds into a financial institution. This can also be referred to as “hiding”.

Layering, or “moving”, is the process of transferring the funds around through several complex transactions, all done to hide the paper trail from the initial entry point through to the end of the laundering process.

Integration is the final step of introducing the illegal funds back into accounts under the guise of legitimate transactions. This can also be referred to as “investing” and can be expanded to include the expenditure of the funds through investments in assets or an excessive lifestyle.
 
Money Laundering Criminal Defense Lawyer

The possible sentences for money laundering, depending upon the severity of the crime, can include fines of up to $250,000 and/or up to one year in prison. A second or subsequent conviction may lead to fines of up to $500,000 and a greater prison sentence.

Criminal defense attorney Barry Bernstein uses his 30+ years of experience to defend his clients’ rights in and out of the courtroom. Through trial preparation and forensic investigations and using his excellent reputation with judges, prosecutors and court personnel, he can help you get a lesser sentence or avoid a conviction altogether.

Contact Mr. Bernstein regarding your money laundering case today!