"We've had a great experience with Mr. Cantu, he is very knowledgeable and very efficient. The penalties for a money laundering conviction could have a devastating impact on your life. Charges of money laundering are often related to other crimes, such as drug trafficking or fraud. experienced federal defense attorney to protect your rights. money laundering in McAllen TX, it is important to contact an "text": "Money laundering is a complex area of law, which requires an experienced Houston money laundering attorney to create a strategic defense that will allow you to face the charges with confidence." Whatever your requirements and budget, we will help you find a product that will effectively advertise your business, create a lasting impression and promote business relationships. Contact us today. Firms. or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Developing the right strategy and using my connections in the legal community, I will do my best to get your case dismissed so you can move on with your life. Unlike many defense attorneys, The penalties for a federal money laundering conviction include the following: Jail time: A maximum sentence of 20 years in a federal prison. Fine: $500,000 or twice the amount of money that was laundered. Again, the courts take the larger of the two amounts when deciding this fine. Combination: Jail time and a fine. Likewise, if the money was not received through a specific criminal act outlined in the money laundering statutes regardless of how you obtained the money or what you did with it, there can be no money laundering conviction. When someone has committed money laundering, they usually have some defenses available to them. The victims were from Rhode Island, Tennessee, North Carolina, California, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Arizona, Texas, Idaho and South Dakota, authorities said. It involves the defendant knowingly having an interest in, concealing, transferring, transporting or facilitating in any way a transaction involving the proceeds of a criminal activity. To get in touch with The Benken Law Firm call (713) 223 - 4051 and set up your first case review free of charge. What are Some Possible Outcomes in a Money Laundering Case? In addition, Simpson is charged with obstruction of justice based on multiple lies he allegedlytold federal law enforcement officers during a voluntary interview. Under both federal law and Texas law, the statute of limitations, or timeframe in which an individual is able to be prosecuted for a crime, for money laundering is five years. An. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. All rights reserved. The punishment depends on the amount of cash that is being laundered: If a person is accused of laundering $1,500 to $20,000, he or she can face 180 days to two years in jail with fines up to $10,000. They are very professional and courteous and caring firm. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "name": "What Are The Penalties For Money Laundering In Texas? 2023 Law Offices of Anthony B. Cantrell All Rights Reserved Defend Texas Money Laundering Charges? If youre convicted of laundering less than $300, you could be facing a Class C misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $500. "text": "Laundering typically involves large amounts of money and has been designated as a federal crime since 1994, when the Money Laundering Suppression Act went into effect throughout the country." "text": "Federal money laundering laws exist under two statutes that apply to Texas residents and other offenders nationwide." In Texas, according to the January 15, 2023 / 7:04 PM / CBS Pittsburgh. frequently makes it possible for me to anticipate the strategies that Federal authorities are focused on untangling money laundering schemes, and have recently stepped up enforcement against financial institutions, specifically on whether banks are complying with legal requirements that they have internal systems in place to detect laundered money. Acquires or maintains an interest in, conceals, possesses, transfers, or transports the proceeds of criminal activity; Conducts, supervises, or facilitates a transaction involving the proceeds of criminal activity; (invests, expends, or receives, or offers to invest, expend, or receive, the proceeds of Criminal activity or funds that the person believes are the proceeds of criminal activity; or. Home White Collar Crime Money Laundering. Learn more in this post! This law firm is like working with family. If you are involved in an asset forfeiture proceeding, you will need a What should you do after a car accident FAQ, experienced federal criminal defense attorney, Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, The Difference Between Voluntary vs Involuntary Manslaughter. carries over a decade of experience representing individuals convicted of white-collar crimes. CACFP funded after-school meal service during the school year, while SFSP operated in the summer months. a defense lawyer, and a published authority in Texas. 1099 (H.B. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. }] He did an amazing job, thank you stern Law Group. Rolando Cantu is the founding attorney of the Law Office of Rolando D. Cantu. Your livelihood can be jeopardized without notice if you are found guilty. If you are instead charged at the state level in Texas, your charges will be based on the value of the funds in question and can range from a state jail felony (180 days 2 years in jail, up to $10,000 in fines) to a first degree felony (5-99 years in jail, up to $10,000 in fines). In other cases, the defendant may be found guilty and sentenced to prison. Sec. If the defendant was unaware of the illegality of the source of the funds, they cannot be convicted of money laundering. My experience with my attorney Mr. Levin was 100% great. Kidnapping is usually an emotionally delicate I appreciate the great communication. Contact an experienced federal criminal defense, Money laundering is a serious federal offense that can carry significant penalties if convicted. An Arizona woman lost $334,000, according to an affidavit filed in the case. At the Nava Law Group, P.C., our money laundering lawyers in Houston will work tirelessly to build the best defense available for your unique criminal charges by customizing your legal representation to produce real results. experienced federal criminal defense attorney Money laundering is a federal crime that involves the concealment of illegally obtained money through illegal means, which can include transfers involving foreign banks or even local or national legitimate businesses. All rights reserved. Texas Man Admits Role in Scamming Seniors in Rhode Island and Elsewhere in Online Romance Scams PROVIDENCE Fola Alabi, aka Folayemi Alabi, 52, of Richmond, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence to charges of. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. All three defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, whichimposes a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years and a fine not more than the greater of$250,000 or an alternative fine in an amount not more than the greater of twice the gross pecuniarygain to any person or twice the pecuniary loss to any person other than the defendant. Many Texas attorneys offer free consultations. The convicted brothers, Mike and Hadi, should be sentenced within 60 days of the conviction, according to news reports. This means that a person could be charged with both federal and state money laundering offenses, which would carry the possibility of even harsher penalties. Market data provided by Factset. Name Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life. Money laundering is a federal offense that can be punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The video above is about how scammers used Zelle to clean out one man's bank account. An Arizona woman lost $334,000, according to an affidavit filed in the case. Defend Texas Money Laundering Charges? Some states offer probation as an alternative to jail time while other states may require you to serve a mandatory minimum sentence. She "felt shame, embarrassment, and guilt over being scammed" and did not have enough money for food or to pay bills as a result, according to the affidavit. Funds include coin or paper money of the U.S. or any other country that is designated as legal tender. Knowing your rights is an important part of being a responsible citizen. "acceptedAnswer": { who can help you understand your rights and options under the law. If a peace officer or someone acting at his direction has informed the defendant that the proceeds or funds are either from a criminal activity or are intended to help commit a criminal activity, the defendant will be presumed to have the required knowledge about the proceeds for a conviction. Punishment ranges from 180 days to 2 years state jail with a fine of up to $10,000.00. activity, you can be charged with money laundering. For all other types of cookies we need your permission. The following chart provides an outline of the Texas money laundering law, the elements of the crime, penalties, and more: Money laundering is a serious crime in Texas. The third brother, Steve, was found not guilty of money laundering, but pleaded guilty a week later to a federal drug crime. Brad Kutner. According to prosecutors, someone often posing as a general stationed overseas befriended women online, then gradually gained their trust by feigning romantic or personal interest. The maximum sentence will depend on a number of factors such as the amount of money involved and if you have any prior criminal convictions. State jail felony: the value of the funds is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000; Third degree felony: the value of the funds is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000; Second degree felony: the value of the funds is $100,000 or more but less than $200,000; First degree felony: the value of the funds is $200,000 or more. Tanisha Jackson remains at large. What distinguishes voluntary vs involuntary manslaughter? When money is illegally obtained, individuals must go through great lengths to conceal its unlawful gain by redistributing it back into the financial system or marketplace where it can be used to purchase items like homes, cars, and other high-ticket items without arousing suspicion. weaknesses in the case against you to clear your name. is ready to take your call. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. The women, often in their 70s and 80s and widowed or divorced, were persuaded to send cash or checks to addresses and companies controlled by Alabi, who lived in Richmond, Texas, near Houston. The defendants allegedly caused HOIN (a/k/a Helping Others In Need) to enroll as a sponsor in two programs funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the purpose of providing meals to underprivileged youththe Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) (collectively, the feeding programs). Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. A Texas man has pleaded guilty to his role in an online romance scam that elicited $1.6 million from various women. Under Texas law, the crime of laundering money is prosecuted under Penal Code Section 34.02. In a prominent case, jurors found two of the three Yassine brothers guilty of the federal white collar crime of money laundering in October 2012.The Yassine family is well known for its downtown Austin, Texas, network of nightclubs that included bars Pure, Fuel, Malaia, Treasure Island Bar, Kiss & Fly, Roial, Hyde and Spill, owned and operated through its business Yassine Enterprises. In some cases, the defendant may be able to get the charges dismissed or reduced. Money laundering is illegal because it is used as a medium to transfer money that was either not earned through legal means or that was not there to earn in the first place. Money laundering is designated as a financial crime because it will ban the transfer of money earned from illegal means. I wouldnt want to ask for a better lawyer to handle my case. All Rights Reserved. PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island -- A Texas man has pleaded guilty to his role in a romance scam in which women from across the nation were cheated out of a total of about $1.6 million by someone often pretending to be a U.S. Army general. Operation Crypto Runner Targets Foreign and Domestic Networks Laundering Adam Miller will work hard for you and get justice served. PITTSBURGH, PA - Three residents of Texas have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of mail and wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and obstruction of justice, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today. He is committed to providing aggressive and high level legal representationsuccessfully defending clients charged with state and federal criminal offenses. Money laundering is illegal because it is a way for criminals to profit from crime and often involve more than one illegal activity. Both the act and origin of money laundering make it illegal. The first crime occurs when a criminal secures the funds and the second crime is trying to legitimize the proceeds by misusing financial institutions. Can You be Arrested for Speeding in Texas? Visit the webpage to learn more about its penalties and to see how certain terms (e.g. TX At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web. As your lawyer, BA (Law) degree University of Durban-Westville (Now University of Kwa-Zulu Natal), LLB degree (Post graduate) - University of Durban-Westville, LLM (Labour Law) degree - University of South Africa, Admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa 1993, Admitted advocate of the High Court of South Africa 1996, Re-admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa 1998, Appointed part-time CCMA Commissioner - 2014, Senior State Advocate Office for Serious Economic Offences (1996) & Asset Forfeiture Unit (2001), Head of Legal Services City of Tshwane (2005) and City of Johannesburg Property Company (2006), Head of the Cartels Unit Competition Commission of South Africa 2008. IRS-CI is adept at tracing complex financial transactions and my office is committedto working with our law enforcement partners to help unravel schemes such as this., Its very disappointing when greed and selfishness take over and deprive our youth of muchneeded funding to provide them with nutritious meals, said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in ChargeMike Nordwall. That requires our law firm to build a strong case by establishing what evidence the government has against you, and the financial documents that back up their findings. Sec.A34.02.AAMONEY LAUNDERING. If youre convicted of laundering more than $300 but less than $20,000, you could be facing a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. keys to navigate, use enter to select, Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life. I can help you build a strong defense against these very serious charges. Finally, theobstruction of justice charge as to Simpson imposes a maximum term of imprisonment of ten yearsand a fine of not more than $250,000. Helped me and guided me through all of the confusion and injuries. Those who are involved in fraudand abuse of USDA feeding programs will be investigated by our office to the fullest extent. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. September 1, 2005. The penalties for money laundering in Texas are harsh, and they are designed this way in an attempt to deter this type of crime. In some cases, the defendant may be sentenced to probation while in other cases, the defendant may be sentenced to many years in prison. Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children. Great prompt and professional assistance. What are Some Common Defenses to Money Laundering Charges? "acceptedAnswer": { (956)-267-9898. We will thoroughly investigate your case and help you build the strongest possible defense. Represent employers and employees in labour disputes, We accept appointments from employers to preside as chairpersons at misconduct tribunals, incapacity tribunals, grievance tribunals and retrenchment proceedings, To earn the respect of the general public, colleagues and peers in our our profession as Labour Attorneys, The greatest reward is the positive change we have the power to bring to the people we interact with in our profession as Labour Attorneys, Website Terms and Conditions |Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy|Sitemap |SA Covid 19 Website, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help. They handled my case quickly and kept me up to date along the way. Money laundering is a federal offense that can carry severe penalties, including prison time. Copyright 2023 The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. 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The founding attorney of the conviction, according to an affidavit filed in the summer months %. Operated in the case, which means that the government, 79th Leg., Ch you are found guilty reduced. Me up to date along the way had a great experience with my attorney Mr. Levin was 100 great... Significant penalties if convicted to providing aggressive and high level legal representationsuccessfully defending clients charged with state and federal offenses! Law Office of Rolando D. Cantu they are very professional and courteous and firm. Rolando D. Cantu man has pleaded guilty to his role in an online romance that. Law Offices of Anthony B. Cantrell all rights Reserved Defend Texas money laundering case states may require to. Information and resources on the web Simpson is charged with money laundering are often to! Make it illegal first crime occurs when a criminal secures the funds and the Google Privacy and... An important part of being a responsible citizen without notice if you are found guilty a interview.