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Money Laundering Charges in Florida: Laws, Penalties and Fighting the Allegations
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Money Laundering Charges in Florida: Laws, Penalties and Fighting the Allegations
Money laundering charges in Florida can seem scary and overwhelming. But with the right information and legal help, you can understand the allegations against you and build an effective defense.This article will walk you through everything you need to know if you’re facing money laundering accusations in Florida. We’ll cover:
- What is money laundering?
- Florida money laundering laws
- Penalties for conviction
- Possible defenses
- Finding the right lawyer for your case
What is Money Laundering?
Money laundering is the process of making illegally-obtained money look like it came from a legal source. Criminals try to “clean” dirty money through a series of transactions to hide where the money originally came from.Common examples include:
- Breaking up large amounts of cash into smaller deposits to avoid detection
- Using money from illegal activities to buy assets like cars or property
- Transferring money through complex international deals to disguise its origins
The goal is to make dirty money seem clean so criminals can spend it without suspicion.
Florida Money Laundering Laws
Florida has several laws that prohibit money laundering:
1. Engaging in a Financial Transaction with Proceeds from Specified Unlawful Activities
This law makes it illegal to conduct any financial transaction using money from criminal activities like drug trafficking, fraud, or embezzlement. Even if you didn’t commit the original crime, knowingly spending the proceeds can lead to prosecution.
2. Transporting Proceeds from Specified Unlawful Activities
You can face charges for simply moving money tied to illegal activities. Transporting more than $300 of criminal proceeds within Florida or internationally violates this statute.
3. International Transportation of Stolen Money
Bringing more than $10,000 in illegally-obtained cash into or out of the United States is prohibited under federal law. Florida cooperates fully with federal officials to prosecute offenders.
4. Failure to Declare Cash Over $10,000
If you travel through Florida ports like airports or seaports with over $10,000 in cash, you must declare it to customs officials. Failure to do so can lead to criminal charges, even if the money was obtained legally.
Penalties for a Conviction
The penalties for money laundering in Florida vary based on the amount of money involved:
- Less than $300 – Misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail
- $300 to $19,999 – Third-degree felony with up to 5 years in prison
- $20,000 to $99,999 – Second-degree felony with up to 15 years in prison
- $100,000 or more – First-degree felony with up to 30 years in prison
Fines up to $250,000 or twice the amount laundered (whichever is greater) are possible. Subsequent convictions carry harsher penalties. Property connected to the crime can also be seized.
Possible Defenses Against Charges
While the penalties are severe, experienced lawyers can often get charges reduced or dismissed by raising strong defenses. Some options include:
You Didn’t Know the Money Came from Illegal Activities
Prosecutors must prove you knowingly laundered criminal proceeds. If you can show you had no idea the money was tied to unlawful acts, charges should not stick.
You Never Conducted Prohibited Transactions
The state has to prove you actually engaged in transactions meant to hide the source of illegal funds. Just being in possession of suspicious money is not enough.
The Money Didn’t Originate from Criminal Acts
If the money you deposited, transported, or spent was from legal activities, then money laundering laws do not apply. Challenging the prosecution’s claims about the money’s origins can defeat the charges.An experienced lawyer can help gather evidence and testimony to support these defenses and cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.
Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Case
Facing money laundering accusations in Florida is scary. But the right lawyer can help you understand the charges, build a defense, and achieve the best possible outcome.Look for a criminal defense attorney with extensive experience fighting these complex financial cases. They will know how to analyze the prosecution’s evidence, challenge it effectively, and argue persuasively for dismissal or acquittal.A knowledgeable lawyer will also guide you through the process, advocate for your rights, and help reduce the stress. Defending yourself against felony charges is extremely difficult, so you need an experienced attorney on your side.
Don’t Panic – Get the Right Legal Help Today
Money laundering allegations can turn your life upside down. But through understanding the charges and working with an experienced defense lawyer, you can protect your future.This overview covers the basics of Florida money laundering laws – but every case is different. For personalized guidance based on your unique situation, consult with a criminal defense attorney right away. An effective lawyer can make all the difference in how your case unfolds.With the stakes so high, it’s critical to have the right legal help on your side. Don’t leave your fate to chance. Call an experienced money laundering defense attorney today to discuss your case and start building the strongest possible defense. The sooner you take action, the better. With skilled legal representation, you can overcome these challenges and move forward with your life.