What Are The Potential Consequences For Money Laundering?

The most obvious and prominent crimes that are committed in Virginia often involve violence, drugs, sexual offenses and driving under the influence. Other kinds of crimes that don’t have the same negative connotation but can be just as, if not more, serious involve white-collar crime charges. One kind of criminal act that falls into this category is money laundering.

When allegations of money laundering are made, it’s important to understand what it entails and its penalties. If a person is involved in a financial transaction and is aware that the property that is part of it is derived from a felony in Virginia, the District of Columbia or anywhere across the nation, it is known as money laundering. If a person is arrested and convicted of this crime, there can be prison time for as much as 40 years, a fine of up to $500,000 or both.

If a person is compensated for converting cash into electronic funds or instruments that can be negotiated and is doing so with the knowledge that the cash came from acts that are felonies in the state, the District of Columbia or anywhere in the U.S., it will be a Class 1 misdemeanor. If there is another subsequent act that breaks this law, it will be a Class 6 felony.

People who are confronted with allegations of money laundering might have been mislead and gotten involved in a situation without their knowledge that led to charges. It’s possible that the allegations of money laundering against a person are totally untrue. Regardless, it is imperative to formulate a strong defense to avoid conviction.

Source: leg1.state.va.us, “Money laundering; penalties,” accessed April 20, 2015

Leary Law has substantial experience defending for white collar crime charges. Schedule a free confidential consultation with us to help you protect your rights and explore options to obtain the best possible solution for your case.