Money Laundering Defense Attorney in Santa Rosa, CA

Expert Legal Representation for Money Laundering Charges

If you or a loved one are facing money laundering charges, you need an experienced Santa Rosa money laundering lawyer to protect your rights and build a strong defense. At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., we understand the complexities of both California and federal money laundering laws. Our dedicated legal team is committed to providing aggressive representation to fight your charges and safeguard your future.

Call (707) 986-4482 or complete our online contact form today to request a confidential consultation with our team.

What is Money Laundering?

Money laundering is the process of disguising the origins of illegally obtained money, making it appear as though it comes from legitimate sources. It typically involves three main stages:

1. Placement – Introducing illicit funds into the financial system, often through cash transactions or deposits.
2. Layering – Conducting a series of complex financial transactions to obscure the source of the money.
3. Integration – Reintroducing the laundered money into the economy as seemingly legitimate funds.

Money laundering is often associated with crimes such as drug trafficking, fraud, embezzlement, and organized crime. However, individuals and businesses may also face charges for inadvertently becoming involved in suspicious transactions.

California Money Laundering Penalties

Under California law, money laundering is prosecuted under Penal Code 186.10 and Health & Safety Code 11370.9. The penalties depend on the amount of money involved and whether the offense is tied to other criminal activities.

Penal Code 186.10 – General Money Laundering

A conviction for general money laundering can result in:

• Up to one year in county jail (misdemeanor) or 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison (felony)
• Fines of up to $250,000 or twice the amount laundered, whichever is greater
• Additional penalties for amounts exceeding $50,000

Health & Safety Code 11370.9 – Drug-Related Money Laundering

If money laundering is connected to drug offenses, the penalties can be even more severe, including:

• Up to four years in state prison
• Substantial fines and asset forfeiture
• Additional charges if linked to a larger criminal enterprise

Federal Money Laundering Penalties

Federal money laundering cases are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 and 18 U.S.C. § 1957. These laws cover a broad range of financial activities that involve illicit funds. Federal penalties for money laundering include:

• Up to 20 years in federal prison
• Fines of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the laundered money
• Seizure of assets related to the crime
• Enhanced penalties for laundering money tied to terrorism, drug trafficking, or fraud

Federal prosecutors have vast resources to investigate and prosecute money laundering offenses. That’s why you need a Santa Rosa money laundering lawyer with extensive experience handling federal cases.

Legal Defenses Against Money Laundering

At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., we explore every available defense to challenge money laundering charges. Some common legal defenses include:

Lack of Intent

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove that you knowingly engaged in transactions to conceal illegal proceeds. If you were unaware of the nature of the funds, we can argue lack of intent.

Insufficient Evidence

Many money laundering cases rely on circumstantial evidence. We challenge weak or speculative claims to ensure that the prosecution meets its burden of proof.

Entrapment

If law enforcement coerced or pressured you into committing a money laundering offense, we may use entrapment as a defense.

Violation of Constitutional Rights

If authorities conducted an illegal search, seizure, or interrogation, we can challenge the evidence and seek to have it excluded from court proceedings.

How Wilber Law Offices, P.C. Can Help

Being charged with money laundering is a serious matter, but an experienced Santa Rosa money laundering lawyer can make a significant difference in your case. At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., we provide:

• Personalized Defense Strategies – We tailor our approach to the specifics of your case, ensuring the strongest possible defense.
• Aggressive Representation – We challenge the prosecution’s evidence and fight to reduce or dismiss charges whenever possible.
• Experienced Negotiation – If appropriate, we negotiate plea deals to minimize penalties and protect your future.

Contact us today at (707) 986-4482 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards defending your rights and securing your future.