Louisiana White Collar Criminal Defense

Elizabeth B. Carpenter, Esq.  –  New Orleans Criminal Defense Attorney

Money Laundering — 14:230

It is unlawful for any person knowingly to do any of the following:

(1)  Conduct, supervise, or facilitate a financial transaction involving proceeds known to be derived from criminal activity, when the transaction is designed in whole or in part to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or the control of proceeds known to be derived from such violation or to avoid a transaction reporting requirement under state or federal law.

(2)  Give, sell, transfer, trade, invest, conceal, transport, maintain an interest in, or otherwise make available anything of value known to be for the purpose of committing or furthering the commission of any criminal activity.

(3)  Direct, plan, organize, initiate, finance, manage, supervise, or facilitate the transportation or transfer of proceeds known to be derived from any violation of criminal activity.

(4)  Receive or acquire proceeds derived from any violation of criminal activity, or knowingly or intentionally engage in any transaction that the person knows involves proceeds from any such violations.

(5)  Acquire or maintain an interest in, receive, conceal, possess, transfer, or transport the proceeds of criminal activity.

(6)  Invest, expend, or receive, or offer to invest, expend, or receive, the proceeds of criminal activity.

PENALTIES

If the value of the funds is less than three thousand dollars, may be imprisoned for not more than 6 months or fined not more than one $1,000, or both.

If the value of the funds is $3,000 to $20,000, may be imprisoned with or without hard labor for 2 to 10 years and may be fined not more than $10,000.

If the value of the funds is $20,000 to $100,00, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for 2 to 25 years and may be fined not more than $20,000.

If the value of the funds is $100,00 or more, shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than 5 to 99 years and may be fined not more than $50,000.

After a conviction, the defendant may be ordered to release the laundered funds.

Contact

Money laundering has become a new focus of the FBI and Attorney General’s office because of its occasional role in allegedly supporting terrorism. Not only are more money laundering charges being levied by the federal government, they are devoting more resources toward getting quick convictions. Therefore, if you are facing allegations of money laundering, it is essential that you have a skilled attorney at your side as soon as possible.

Law Office of Elizabeth B. Carpenter, Esq. defends clients under investigation or facing money laundering charges involving:

• Illegal wire transfers
• Failing to report transactions over $10,000
• Structuring transactions to conceal value or source
• Failing to perform due diligence to determine source of large amounts of money entering the business
• Other financial transactions involving proceeds of unlawful activity

Most clients facing federal money laundering indictment also have challenges involving asset forfeiture. Any money that law enforcement deems to be derived from illegal activity or purchased from the funds of unlawful activity can be seized by the government. This includes funds that are comingled with illegal funds.

If you have been arrested for Money Laundering in Louisiana, contact the Law Office of Elizabeth B. Carpenter, Esq. and schedule a consultation.