New Jersey Money Laundering Attorney

Money laundering is a serious crime under both New Jersey and federal law. In New Jersey, the severity of a money laundering crime usually depends on the value of the property involved:

• $500,000 or more: First-degree crime carrying a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison
• $75,000 to $499,000: Second-degree crime carrying a sentence of 5 to 10 years in prison
• Less than $75,000: Third-degree crime carrying a sentence of 3 to 5 years in prison
• Obstructing a legally required report from a financial institution: Third-degree crime carrying a sentence of 3 to 5 years in prison

The success or failure of a money laundering charge can hinge on whether the accused knew or should have known the property in question was derived from illegal activity. A careless statement by the accused can often have a devastating impact on his or her defense. That is why you must consult a New Jersey money laundering attorney at the earliest stages of an investigation. 

Defenses Against Money Laundering Charges  

If you are facing money laundering charges in New Jersey, exploring all possible defenses to protect your rights and secure a favorable outcome is crucial. The following are some common defenses that can be utilized in money laundering cases:

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent: Money laundering charges require demonstrating that the accused knew the funds' illegal origin and engaged in financial transactions intending to conceal their source. A strong defense strategy may involve proving that you had no knowledge of the illegal activity or lacked the intent to launder money. This can be achieved by presenting evidence showing that you were unaware of the criminal proceeds or had a legitimate reason for the financial transactions.
• Insufficient Evidence: Challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution is another potential defense. This involves scrutinizing the evidence to identify inconsistencies, inaccuracies, or violations of your constitutional rights. If the evidence was obtained unlawfully or is insufficient to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, your attorney can seek its exclusion from the trial or argue for a dismissal of the charges.
• Procedural Violations: Money laundering cases involve complex legal procedures and regulations. If law enforcement or investigating agencies violated your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest, your defense attorney can challenge the legality of the evidence and seek to have it suppressed. Examples of procedural violations may include an illegal search and seizure, failure to provide Miranda warnings or violations of your right to counsel.
• Entrapment: Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces an individual to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. If you can establish that you were coerced or persuaded by law enforcement to engage in money laundering activities that you would not have undertaken without their involvement, it may be a viable defense strategy.
• Constitutional Violations: Money laundering cases may involve violations of your constitutional rights, such as violations of your Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures or your Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination. If your rights were violated during the investigation or arrest, your defense attorney could challenge the admissibility of evidence obtained through these violations.

It is important to note that each money laundering case is unique, and the viability of defense strategies will depend on the specific facts and circumstances surrounding your case. Working with an experienced New Jersey money laundering defense lawyer is crucial to identify the most effective defense strategies.