Bristol County Money Laundering Lawyers

Strategic Defense Strategies for Money Laundering Cases in Massachusetts 

The Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates, P.C. understands a money laundering charge's potential impacts on someone's life and career and is dedicated to providing experienced legal defense services against these charges. With years of experience navigating various money laundering cases, our money laundering lawyers in Bristol County have helped many clients get charges dropped or reduced, ensuring that the accused have a chance to clear their names and rebuild their lives.  

Are you or someone you know facing money laundering charges in Massachusetts? Call the Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates today at (877) 444-1098 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our money laundering attorneys in Massachusetts!

What Is Money Laundering in Massachusetts? 

Money laundering is a financial crime in Massachusetts, and it involves the process of making funds obtained from illegal activities appear to be legitimate income. It is typically done by transferring large amounts of money between different accounts to disguise the origin of the money or using false documents to hide true sources of income. 

The following activities may result in a money laundering charge: 

• Making small cash deposits into different accounts over an extended period to avoid suspicion. 
• Placing “dirty” money into the financial system by depositing it into a bank or other financial institution. 
• Moving funds from one jurisdiction to another, often through shell companies and offshore accounts, to create confusion about who owns the money and its source. 
• Investing laundered money back into legitimate businesses to make it appear that the funds are a product of legal activities.
• Using trade transactions such as false invoicing, round-tripping, and improper invoicing to move money around. 
• Structuring Breaking up large deposits into smaller amounts, the amount reported to regulators to avoid detection and scrutiny. 
• Transferring ownership of assets, such as real estate or vehicles, to conceal the source of funds. 
• Generating false invoices for services that were never provided to hide money movement from one place to another. 
• Using third parties, often unknowingly, to transport money from one place to another to hide its origin. 

Massachusetts law prohibits people from participating in any transaction that could be used for money laundering. If convicted, individuals can face heavy fines and/or imprisonment. 

What Are the Penalties for Money Laundering in Massachusetts? 

Money laundering is a serious crime in Massachusetts, with severe penalties if found guilty. These penalties can include hefty fines, lengthy prison sentences, and forfeiture of assets acquired through illegal activity. 

Here's a breakdown of the possible penalties for money laundering in Massachusetts: 

• Fines of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the laundered property (whichever is greater) 
• Up to 20 years imprisonment 
• Forfeiture of property used for money laundering
• Restitution payments to victims affected by the laundering activities 
• Community service or other alternative sentencing options at the judge's discretion 
• Possibility of asset seizure from persons associated with the money laundering activity

It's important to remember that these penalties are in place to deter people from engaging in money laundering and other financial crimes. If you have been accused of this crime, you must immediately contact a qualified white collar crimes attorney. Our Bristol County money laundering lawyers can help protect your rights and give you the best possible chance for a favorable outcome.

Defenses Against Money Laundering Charges

Defenses against money laundering charges can vary depending on the case's specific circumstances. It's essential to consult with a qualified Bristol County money laundering attorney to determine the best defense strategy for your situation. Here are some commonly used defenses in money laundering cases:

• Lack of knowledge: One defense is to argue that you were unaware of the illegal origins of the funds involved in the alleged money laundering activities. Demonstrating that you had no knowledge or intent to participate in money laundering may weaken the prosecution's case.
• Lack of intent: Another defense is challenging the prosecution's ability to prove that you intended to engage in money laundering. Any financial transactions were conducted for legitimate purposes and not intending to hide the funds' illegal origins.
• Insufficient evidence: You can challenge the sufficiency and credibility of the evidence presented by the prosecution. This may include questioning the reliability of witnesses, financial records, or other evidence that the prosecution relies upon to establish your involvement in money laundering.
• Entrapment: If you can demonstrate that you were induced or coerced by law enforcement agents to commit money laundering, you may have a valid defense of entrapment. Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officials persuade someone to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed.
• Violation of procedural rights: If your constitutional rights were violated during the investigation or arrest process, such as unlawful search and seizure or denial of legal representation, you can challenge the admissibility of evidence or seek to dismiss the charges.

It's important to remember that the effectiveness of these defenses can vary depending on the specific circumstances and evidence involved in your case. Consulting with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is crucial to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case and develop an appropriate defense strategy.

Contact Our Bristol County Money Laundering Attorneys Today 

If you are currently under investigation or facing charges related to money laundering, it is crucial to seek professional legal assistance. The Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates, P.C. is here to provide you with the dedicated support you need. Our Bristol County money laundering attorneys will work closely with you to develop a customized defense strategy tailored to your circumstances. Our expertise aims to help you achieve the best possible outcome, whether it involves successfully challenging the charges, minimizing the severity, or mitigating the consequences of an unavoidable conviction. You can rely on our team to advocate for your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Contact the Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates PC today to schedule a consultation with one of our money laundering lawyers in Bristol County!