Money Laundering
When You've Been Accused, Everything Changes. Work With a Team Who Is Dedicated to Making Sure the Justice System Works Equally & Fairly for Everyone.
Over 25 Years Defending Money Laundering Cases in State & Federal Court
The Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates, P.C. defends clients facing money laundering charges throughout Bristol County. A money laundering accusation can threaten your career, your finances, and your freedom. Attorney Frank Camera brings over 25 years of criminal defense experience, including white collar and federal cases, to every client we represent. We take no court-appointed cases, which means every client who comes to us has our full attention. We’ve helped clients get charges dropped or reduced, and we offer free consultations so you can understand your options before making any decisions.
Facing money laundering charges in Massachusetts? Call Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates, P.C. at (877) 444-1098 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
What Is Money Laundering in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts money laundering is governed by M.G.L. c. 267A and involves knowingly transporting, possessing, or transacting with funds or property derived from criminal activity. The statute reaches three categories of conduct: transporting or possessing illegal proceeds with intent to further criminal activity; engaging in financial transactions with known illegal proceeds to promote criminal activity, conceal their source, or avoid reporting requirements; and directing, organizing, financing, or managing such activity. Because the prosecution must prove both knowledge of the illegal origin and a specific intent, those two elements are often central to the defense.
Massachusetts defines “financial institution” broadly under this statute, not just banks and credit unions, but also dealers in precious metals or jewels, pawn shops, gaming establishments, and car dealers. Money laundering charges frequently accompany other charges such as drug trafficking, fraud, or tax evasion, which is why early, coordinated defense across all counts matters.
Conduct that can result in a money laundering charge includes:
Structuring, also called smurfing: breaking large deposits into smaller amounts to stay below federal reporting thresholds and avoid Bank Secrecy Act scrutiny
Placing funds into the financial system through a bank or other institution to begin the laundering process
Moving funds through shell companies or offshore accounts to obscure ownership and origin
Investing illicit proceeds into legitimate businesses to make them appear as lawful income
Using false invoices for services never rendered to disguise money movement
Conducting trade-based transactions, including round-tripping and improper invoicing, to shift funds across borders
Transferring ownership of assets such as real estate or vehicles to conceal the source of funds
Using third parties, sometimes unknowingly, to transport money and distance it from its criminal origin
Penalties for Money Laundering in Massachusetts
Money laundering carries serious consequences under both state and federal law, and the exposure differs significantly depending on whether the case is prosecuted in state court under M.G.L. c. 267A or in federal court under 18 U.S.C. §1956. Which court system is involved, and why, shapes every aspect of the defense.
State Penalties Under M.G.L. c. 267A §2
State penalties under M.G.L. c. 267A §2 include:
First offense: up to 6 years in state prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the value of the property transacted, whichever is greater, or both
Second or subsequent offense: a mandatory minimum of 2 years in state prison, a maximum of 8 years, and a fine of up to $500,000 or three times the value of the property transacted, whichever is greater
Forfeiture: M.G.L. c. 267A §4 authorizes forfeiture of monetary instruments or other property obtained in violation of §2
Additional consequences: courts may also impose restitution to victims, community service, and asset seizure from persons associated with the laundering activity
Federal Exposure Under 18 U.S.C. §1956 & §1957
Federal exposure when cases are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. §1956 and §1957:
A conviction under §1956 carries a maximum of 20 years imprisonment
A conviction under §1957 carries a maximum of 10 years imprisonment
Federal cases in Bristol County are frequently investigated by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation Division, and Homeland Security Investigations before charges are ever filed
Many money laundering cases move between state and federal court depending on the agencies involved and the scope of the alleged conduct. If you’re facing charges in Bristol County Superior Court or believe a federal referral is possible, don’t wait. Contact our attorneys to understand your exposure.
Defenses Against Money Laundering Charges
Every money laundering case turns on what the prosecution can prove about knowledge and intent. Because the statute requires the government to establish that you knowingly dealt with funds from criminal activity and acted with a specific purpose, attacking either element is often a viable path. The right defense depends on the facts, the evidence, and who brought the charges.
Lack of knowledge: If you weren’t aware that the funds involved came from criminal activity, that’s a direct challenge to one of the prosecution’s required elements. Establishing that you had no reason to know the source of the funds can significantly undermine their case.
Lack of intent: Even if funds changed hands, the government must prove you intended to conceal their illegal origins. Demonstrating that the transactions served a legitimate purpose can defeat that showing.
Insufficient evidence: We can challenge the credibility and reliability of the prosecution’s financial records, witness testimony, and accounting of the amounts alleged to have been laundered. A forensic accountant can be engaged to contest the government’s figures, which directly affects sentencing exposure.
Entrapment: If law enforcement induced or coerced you into conduct you wouldn’t otherwise have engaged in, entrapment may be a valid defense.
Violation of constitutional rights: Evidence obtained through an unlawful search and seizure, or gathered after a denial of your right to counsel, can be challenged for admissibility. In some cases, those violations are grounds to seek dismissal of the charges.
The strength of any defense depends on the specific facts and evidence in your case. The sooner we can review what the government has, the more options we have to work with.
Contact Our Bristol County Money Laundering Attorneys Today
If you’re under investigation or facing charges in Bristol County, including Fall River, New Bedford, or Taunton, don’t wait to get legal help. Attorney Frank Camera is listed among the Top 100 Lawyers and recognized as a Super Lawyer, with over 25 years of criminal defense experience in both state and federal white collar cases. We can build a defense strategy tailored to your circumstances and fight to protect your rights at every stage. We offer free consultations with no obligation.
Call Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates, P.C. at (877) 444-1098 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
