free case Consultation
(720) 740-3466
(720) 740-3466
Money laundering is a serious crime that carries significant consequences. Prosecutors are known for pursuing convictions aggressively in these cases because a person accused of money laundering could also be involved in other crimes.
If you have been accused of this crime, a Denver money laundering lawyer at Petrash Law could provide the assistance you need. Fighting back against prosecution starts with a thorough investigation, and the right attorney could ensure every detail is evaluated.
A major objective of money laundering is to take ill-gotten income, erase any links to its illicit origin, and use the “washed” money without facing tax consequences or criminal investigations. Money laundering often occurs in a cash-only business, where an individual injects funds from illegal activities as if they were proceeds from whatever the business purportedly sells. Some schemes might also involve purchasing financial instruments.
Once the funds are introduced into a legitimate business, they are merged with the other money the company brings in, making it impossible to trace their source. At that point, the laundered money is reintroduced into the economy without any links to unlawful activity. Given the complexity, having the support and guidance of a skilled money laundering attorney in Denver is a good idea if you are accused of such a crime.
Under Colorado law, money laundering is a Class 3 felony, a serious crime that can lead to a lengthy prison term if convicted. Depending on the circumstances, the accused may spend between four and 12 years in prison if found guilty.
Depending on the amount of money laundered, the court could order fines ranging from $3,000 to $750,000. Additionally, the court could require the accused to forfeit certain assets they purchased using illegal funds. A felony conviction might also make it difficult to obtain employment in the future.
Each of these penalties can alter the course of a person’s life. If you are facing such a charge, a Denver lawyer with experience in money laundering cases could avoid a conviction entirely.
There is no single right way to defend yourself against allegations of money laundering. Finding the appropriate defense strategy starts with carefully reviewing the facts, as the right approach in one case might not be a strong option in another.
A critical aspect of this crime is that it must be committed “knowingly.” In other words, someone who is unaware that the transaction they are involved in includes illicit funds has not committed a crime. While this might seem straightforward, the state will not always rely solely on the defendant’s statements concerning their intentions.
Some cases will depend on whether or not the police violated the accused’s rights during the investigation. If the state secures evidence through an unlawful search, a Denver defense attorney could file a motion and prevent any mention or use of that evidence in the money laundering trial.
You should not face the stress and worry of money laundering charges alone. While white-collar crimes might not carry the same penalties as violent offenses, the consequences can still be devastating. Contact a seasoned Denver money laundering lawyer to discuss your case.