Money Laundering

Money Laundering Lawyer South Florida

Trusted Money Laundering Attorney in South Florida

Money laundering charges can be life-altering, potentially leading to substantial fines and long prison sentences. If you or a loved one is facing accusations of money laundering, you need an experienced legal advocate in your corner. Attorney Frank Schwartz, with over two decades of experience and a successful track record of handling more than 100 Federal and state trials, is your trusted partner when facing these serious charges.

Schedule a free consultation with Frank Schwartz, P.A. today by calling (786) 648-7983.

What Is Money Laundering?

Money laundering, a grave Federal offense, involves the act of disguising the source, amount, or destination of funds obtained through illegal means. This deceptive process often involves multiple bank transfers or transactions with legitimate organizations.

In simpler terms, money laundering transforms illicit gains into seemingly legitimate funds. For example, a restaurant owner may manipulate financial records to conceal drug profits within the restaurant’s regular income, effectively “cleaning” or “laundering” the money.

The Three Stages of Money Laundering

Money laundering is a sophisticated process that occurs in three well-defined stages, each crucial to concealing the illicit origins of funds:

Stage 1: Placement

During this initial stage, illicit funds are integrated into the legitimate financial system. To achieve this, "dirty" money is divided into smaller amounts and subsequently deposited into bank accounts or used for purchasing money orders. Money launderers may also invest in cash-intensive businesses like casinos, car washes, or restaurants. In some cases, the money is moved offshore to foreign bank accounts, a practice known as "offshoring."

Stage 2: Layering

In the layering stage, illicit funds are mingled with legal funds to further obscure their origins. This can involve activities such as gambling with dirty money at a casino or incorporating illegitimate funds into a legitimate business's profits. For instance, inflating the number of patrons serviced by a car wash.

Stage 3: Integration

The final phase involves reintroducing the laundered funds into the economy. This can be achieved through investments in real estate, new businesses, stocks, or the purchase of assets like cars and boats.

Crimes Involved in South Florida Money Laundering

Money laundering is a multifaceted criminal activity that typically ensues after the unlawful acquisition of funds through various illicit means. In South Florida, where financial complexities often intersect with criminal enterprises, understanding the breadth of crimes associated with money laundering is essential.

These criminal activities may include:

Fraud: Engaging in scams or identity theft to accumulate illicit money, which is then laundered to conceal its source.
Medicare/Health Insurance Fraud: Billing for fake or unnecessary medical services in schemes involving Medicare or health insurance, with money laundering used to hide the origin of reimbursements
Embezzlement and White-Collar Crimes: Illegally obtaining funds through insider trading or embezzlement, then legitimizing them through laundering
Bribery, Blackmail, and Extortion: Coercive tactics to amass illicit wealth, with money laundering employed to evade detection
Theft and Robbery: Stealing or robbing, followed by laundering to make the stolen money appear legitimate.
Drug Trafficking: Concealing drug proceeds' origin by using money laundering, particularly in South Florida's drug trade.

Potential Penalties for Money Laundering Convictions in FL

Money laundering convictions carry heavy penalties, especially in Federal cases. If found guilty, you could face:

Imprisonment: You may be sentenced to serve up to 20 years behind bars, significantly impacting your freedom and future.
Substantial Fines: The financial repercussions can be staggering, with fines reaching as high as $500,000 or double the value of the illicit property involved in the offense.
Asset Confiscation: Your property and assets may be subject to confiscation, further depleting your resources and assets.
Civil Penalties: In addition to criminal penalties, you may be hit with civil penalties of up to $10,000 or an amount equivalent to the value of the property involved.

Contact an Experienced South Florida Money Laundering Attorney

If you’re facing money laundering charges, securing the guidance of an experienced South Florida money laundering defense lawyer is essential. Frank Schwartz, P.A. is well-versed in navigating the Federal court system and can develop a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.

For a free consultation, call (786) 648-7983 now. Your future is worth protecting, and we’re here to help.

Your Right to Defend Against Money Laundering Charges

In the United States, every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you’re facing Federal money laundering charges, it’s essential to mount a robust defense. At Frank Schwartz, P.A., we’re committed to representing both the wrongfully accused and those facing disproportionately severe penalties. We believe in providing everyone with a fighting chance.

Our strategies range from pursuing dropped or dismissed charges to negotiating plea deals when necessary. We know the law inside out, and we’re here to leverage that knowledge to your advantage.

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