New Jersey Money Laundering Attorneys
Money laundering is defined as the process whereby the origin of dishonest and/or illegally obtained money is concealed so that it appears to come from a legitimate source. The term laundering is used because criminals need to turn their "dirty" criminal money into clean funds that they can use without arousing suspicion. An individual convicted of money laundering can be sentenced to a fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. They may also be sentenced to 20 years in prison.
After 9/11, the government has made its fight against money laundering and terrorist activity a number one priority. Statutes like the Bank Secrecy Act, the US Patriot Act, and the Money Laundering Control Act all must be considered if you have been accused of money laundering. Needless to say, the laws involved in these cases are extremely complicated and extremely rigid. When law enforcement investigates money laundering their efforts can legitimately extend beyond our borders and it's not unusual for your businesses' clients to be investigated as well. Money laundering often carries with it other serious criminal charges, including: terrorism, drug trafficking, white collar , public corruption, organized , and tax evasion.
What can be most costly to wrongly accused parties and their businesses is the negative stigma that is associated with money laundering charges. Regardless of your innocence, a charge of money laundering can devastate a legitimate business. Our experienced New Jersey money laundering attorneys can fight for your rights and in some cases get the charges dismissed before you ever see the inside of a courtroom, saving your business from unwanted negative publicity.
If you or someone you love has been accused of money laundering in New Jersey, contact the attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation.