How to Fight Federal Money Laundering Charges in New York City

How to Fight Federal Money Laundering Charges in New York City

Facing federal charges like money laundering can be scary. But with the right legal strategy, you may be able to get the charges reduced or even dismissed. This article shares some tips on fighting money laundering allegations in New York City courts.

Understand the Charges

Money laundering involves hiding the source of illegally obtained money to make it appear legitimate. Common techniques include complex financial transactions, offshore accounts, fake businesses, etc.
Federal money laundering charges are usually connected to an underlying crime like fraud, drug trafficking, or public corruption. Prosecutors go after the money trail to take down entire criminal networks.
Potential penalties are severe – up to 20 years in prison per charge. So taking these accusations seriously is a must.

Get an Experienced White Collar Defense Lawyer

Fighting federal indictments requires an experienced white collar defense lawyer. Many law firms in New York City specialize in these complex cases.
Choose someone with specific experience defending money laundering and related financial charges. Understanding complex transactions and financial records is key. An experienced lawyer can analyze the evidence and build the best defense.
Costs are high, but legal fees pale in comparison to decades behind bars. This is not the time to cut corners financially.

Understand the Evidence and Build a Strong Defense

In white collar cases, the evidence usually centers around financial records. Your lawyer will meticulously comb through bank statements, accounting ledgers, receipts, emails, etc.
The goal is finding holes that undermine the prosecution’s version of events. Common defenses in money laundering cases include:

• You lacked criminal intent – the transactions were normal business dealings without intent to conceal illegal activity.
• The money came from legal sources – prosecutors connected innocuous funds to alleged criminal conduct.
• You did not actually control the accounts or transactions in question.
• Technical errors in financial reporting – you made mistakes but did not deliberately try to deceive.

A skilled lawyer can leverage these defenses and others to fight the charges.

Try to Get Charges Dismissed Pre-Trial

The best outcome is getting charges dismissed early. Skilled lawyers will aggressively file pre-trial motions attacking the indictment on procedural grounds.
For example, in 2023 Sam Bankman-Fried’s lawyers filed a motion to dismiss his fraud charges over jurisdictional issues. Such motions rarely succeed but are worth trying.
Even if charges stick, dismissing certain counts or defendants can strengthen your bargaining position for plea deals.

Consider Requesting a Separate Trial

Many money laundering indictments charge multiple co-defendants. Getting tried separately from others can help focus the jury solely on your case.
In 2023, federal prosecutors charged Congressman George Santos with fraud and money laundering. His lawyer immediately requested a separate trial to avoid guilt by association.
While risky, a separate trial prevents evidence against others from tainting the jury’s view of you.

Explore Plea Bargains

Over 90% of federal cases end in guilty pleas due to harsh sentencing guidelines. Skilled lawyers negotiate constantly with prosecutors.
Depending on the strength of the evidence, pleading to reduced charges may be wise. For example, pleading to basic financial fraud instead of money laundering could significantly reduce prison time.
Admitting some responsibility also helps at sentencing if charges stick. Continuing to assert complete innocence can backfire.

Prepare Diligently If Going to Trial

While most federal cases settle, some do go to trial. Thorough preparation is essential.
Your legal team will work meticulously on arguments, cross-examinations of witnesses, and other trial aspects. Expect intense trial days requiring total focus.
Be ready to explain financial records, emails, account transfers, and anything else. Tell a consistent story that fits your defense.
Getting acquitted at trial is rare but possible with an aggressive defense. Yet convictions often bring harsh sentences, so trial is high risk.

Explore Appeals if Convicted

If convicted at trial, appeals may still get verdicts overturned. New evidence, procedural errors, insufficient evidence, ineffective counsel, and other issues might open new legal avenues.
Former FBI official Charles McGonigal got convicted of money laundering but plans appeals based on trial issues. While long shots, appeals do sometimes work.
Bottom line – fighting federal money laundering charges takes time, money, and exceptional legal skills. But for those willing to put in the work, favorable outcomes happen. Don’t hesitate to invest in the best defense possible.