If you face federal money laundering charges, chances are you feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.
These charges are serious and can result in up to 20 years in prison and fines as high as $500,000. Contact an attorney to help guide you through this complicated process.
First steps
After your arrest, keep quiet and say as little as possible to the arresting agents and prosecution team. Use a phone call to contact a defense attorney or to ask a loved one to ascertain one for you. Once you have retained a lawyer, he or she begins gathering all available evidence to dispute the charges brought against you.
Building a case
An experienced attorney will work to build a strong defense against the money laundering charges you face. This entails refuting the opposition’s evidence, gathering witness statements and developing an alibi. In some instances, the legal team hires an expert witness to clarify issues or help prove the defendant’s innocence. Additionally, your attorney attempts to disconnect you from any other potential criminal activity.
Implementing the strategy
Many federal money laundering charges accompany additional criminal charges such as drug trafficking. Your defense team’s strategy may be to disprove the evidence for each charge or to employ other tactics such as an alibi or claim you were mistakenly identified. You and your attorney will work together to determine the most appropriate course of action for you.
Taking the charges against you seriously and hiring a credible defense attorney are the first steps you should take when confronted with federal money laundering charges.