Serving Sacramento County and Beyond Money Laundering

We represent good people who find themselves, on occasion, on the wrong side of the law. We have extensive trial experience and are proven litigators. We have handled every type of criminal case from A to Z.

Play Video

Step 1: The Arrest

Don’t let the police take advantage of you while you’re in custody. Call Walsh Law right away, and we’ll get to work protecting your rights so you don’t inadvertently self-incriminate.
Step 2: The Arraignment

Walsh Law is an aggressive Folsom criminal defense firm that can argue for reasonable bail and help you await the end of your case from the comfort of your home.
Step 3: Pre-Trial Hearings

We’ll evaluate the prosecution’s case, challenge weak evidence and inconsistencies, and do our due diligence to get the charges against you reduced or dropped.

Folsom Money Laundering Lawyer

Money laundering charges are serious. They typically accompany other felony offenses, so you’re likely looking at years in prison. State or federal authorities may initiate these charges. In any case, you are facing significant criminal penalties.

Your best chance of avoiding the harshest consequences of a money laundering charge is to work with a Folsom money laundering lawyer who understands the law and can use it to build you a strong defense. Call Walsh Law today at (916) 610-3558 or use our online contact form to schedule a confidential case consultation.

Continue Reading Read Less

Values You Can Relate To

Our Client Testimonials

“I have permanently added him to my contacts for any future needs. THANK YOU CHRIS!!”
“I am always able to get ahold of him directly either by cell or text including after hours and if for some reason he isn’t immediately available, he responds as soon as he can.”

- Melissa C.
“Mr Walsh is the very best!!”
“He was compassionate and explained to me what to expect in an easy way for me to understand. He was straightforward and delivered on what he said he could do for me!”

- Claudia H.
“I would like to thank Chris for helping me achieve a better deal.”
“I was in a bit of a situation and public defenders weren’t doing anything to help my case as if they didn’t have time. Which they don’t, but Chris Walsh did and came up with a few methods to fight my case.”

- Dewan P.

What Is Money Laundering?

Money laundering (California Penal Code Section 186.10 PC) occurs when an offender attempts to conceal the origins of illegally obtained money. That typically takes place through transfers involving foreign banks and legitimate businesses.

Dirty money may be obtained through drug trafficking, prostitution, embezzlement, fraud, or other crimes. These are often white-collar crimes committed by people who are entrusted with money. Money laundering is often a secondary offense to one of these primary offenses.

Elements of Money Laundering in California

Prosecutors must prove three elements of money laundering beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction.

1. Transactions completed through financial institutions

The prosecutor must be able to show that you completed a transaction or series of transactions through a financial institution.

2. Amount of transactions

The transaction(s) must total more than $5,000 in a seven-day period or more than $25,000 in a 30-day period. Some people who launder money try to avoid this element by breaking transactions into smaller amounts.

3. Intent or knowledge

The prosecutor must prove that you had the intent to promote criminal activity, or you knew that the funds involved were the proceeds of criminal activity. If you were roped into a scheme with no knowledge of criminal activity, then you should not be convicted of money laundering.

Contact us online or by calling (916) 610-3558 today!

Charges Related to Money Laundering

Facing money laundering charges is severe enough, but you will also likely be charged with related offenses, including:

Drug Crimes: If money laundering is in connection with drug crimes, you may be charged under California Health and Safety Code Section 11370.9 HC. Like money laundering, this also requires intent or knowledge of criminal activity.
Grand Theft (California Penal Code Section 487(a) PC): If you steal a large sum of money and attempt to launder it so that it cannot be traced, you may face charges for theft as well as money laundering.
Federal Money Laundering (18 U.S. Code 1956 and 18 U.S. Code 1955): Money laundering is often a federal offense that can result in even more serious penalties. This is true if the act involves interstate commerce.

A Folsom money laundering attorney can explain all the charges you are facing and help you fight to get them reduced or dismissed.

Penalties for Money Laundering in California

Under California law, money laundering is a “wobbler” offense. That means that it could be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the facts of the case and your criminal history.

As a misdemeanor, money laundering can result in up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines.

As a felony, money laundering may carry a sentence of up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of money laundered, whichever is greater. If you have prior money laundering convictions, your fine may be up to $500,000 or five times the laundered amount, whichever is greater.

Additionally, if the amount of money laundered in California exceeds $50,000, then you may receive an extra year of prison added to your sentence. If the amount laundered exceeds $2,500,000, you may have an additional four years of prison added to your sentence.

If you are charged with money laundering in federal court, you could face up to 20 years in federal prison and steep fines.

Other Potential Consequences for Money Laundering

In addition to these criminal penalties, you could face the following collateral consequences for money laundering:

Business closure
Reputation damage
Increased costs for business compliance and security
Reduced access to financial services
Regulatory and legal action for your business
Employment restrictions
Loss of professional licensure
Difficulty obtaining housing and loans
Limited access to government benefits
Deportation if you are not a U.S. citizen

Defenses for Money Laundering in Folsom

Your situation may feel impossible if you’re facing money laundering charges. However, you have options to defend yourself with the help of a Folsom money laundering attorney like Chris Walsh. He knows the tactics of prosecutors because he used to be one. Now, he aggressively advocates for people like you.

You Didn’t Know the Funds Were Illegal

To convict you of money laundering, the prosecution must prove that you knew the funds you were handling were derived from illegal activity. If you can show that you did not have knowledge of the illegal source of the funds, you can present a strong defense.

The Prosecution Has Insufficient Evidence

The prosecution must prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If your money laundering defense attorney can show that there is insufficient evidence to support the charges, this may lead to a dismissal of the case.

There Was Entrapment

If law enforcement officials induced you to engage in money laundering activities that you would not have otherwise participated in, this may constitute entrapment and provide a valid defense.

Money Laundering Charge FAQs

Why is money laundering a crime?

Money laundering is a crime because it allows criminals to enjoy the fruits of their illegal activity without being caught. It also allows criminals to reinvest their illicit profits in further criminal activity. Additionally, money laundering can undermine the integrity of the financial system and make it more difficult for businesses to operate.

What are red flags of money laundering?

Several red flags can indicate that money laundering is taking place. These include large cash transactions, suspicious wire transfers, complex or unusual transactions, customers with no apparent source of funds, and customers who are reluctant to provide information about themselves or their businesses.

What should I do if I’m being investigated for money laundering?

You should immediately contact a money laundering attorney who can help you navigate the process. Do not discuss the investigation with anyone.

Avoid engaging in any further suspicious activity and preserve anything that could be evidence, including financial records, bank statements, emails, and any other relevant paperwork.

Be prepared for a long process. Money laundering investigations can be lengthy and complex. It’s best to be patient.

Get Help from a Folsom Money Laundering Lawyer

The penalties of money laundering and related charges can affect every area of your life. The Folsom money laundering attorneys at Walsh Law know state and federal laws that apply to your case. We know how to use that information to protect your reputation and clear your name. as soon as possible so that we can get started on your case.

Continue Reading Read Less

Meet Our Team

We know it’s easy to get swept up with emotions and confusion in the aftermath of being charged with a crime. That’s why our Folsom criminal defense attorneys aim to shoulder as much of the burden as we can, providing reassurance plus honest insight and advice where you need it.

Learn More About Us

Why Walsh Law?

Walsh Law’s mission is to be the gold standard of criminal defense by providing superior legal advocacy in the face of potentially life-changing consequences.

Chris Walsh is a former prosecutor, so we know what you’re up against when you face criminal charges. Now, clients like you get to benefit from what we’ve learned in our careers and how we apply what we know to get the results you’re after.

Reach Out For a Free Consultation

Protect Your Future

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Walsh Law at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Authenticity
White-glove service with a healthy dose of blue-collar attitude. We're straight shooters driven by our strong fighting spirit to prevail.
Determination
It's the hallmark of our style of practice. We'll contest every case as far as necessary, are laser-focused on getting results, and we'll press on even if the going gets tough.
Excellence
We strive to achieve the best results possible but are never satisfied with just that. We constantly seek opportunities for improvement and follow through to get better.
Intelligence
We work smart and hard. We know the intricacies of the law and won't miss a chance to jump on a case's weak spots. Our strengths lie in skillfully sifting through case details to identify what's most important to a jury and presenting the facts persuasively.
Quality
We take pride in what we do and our record of results. No matter what our clients are going through, we're committed to protecting their rights and acting in their best interest.