The holiday season isn’t just busy for shoppers and retailers—it’s also a peak time for financial crime investigations. With more cash changing hands, higher transaction volumes, and an uptick in large purchases, unusual financial activity is more likely to catch the attention of banks, regulators, and law enforcement. Money laundering cases rarely start with dramatic arrests; they often begin quietly, with a flagged transaction, a suspicious activity report, or a tip from an insider. Before we look at why these charges are more common during the holidays, it’s important to understand exactly what money laundering is and how it’s defined under the law.
What Is Money Laundering?
Money laundering is the act of making illegally gained money appear legitimate. It usually involves three steps:
- Placement – Introducing illegal money into the financial system.
- Layering – Hiding the origin through complex transactions.
- Integration – Reintroducing the funds as “clean” money for purchases or investments.
This crime is taken seriously because of its enormous financial impact. The Department of Justice states that white-collar crimes—including money laundering—can cost the U.S. up to $1.7 trillion every year.
Why Are Charges More Common During the Holidays?
The holiday season sees a surge in cash flow, online purchases, charitable donations, and business transactions. This uptick in financial activity creates a perfect storm for legitimate and suspicious transfers. Criminals often try to “clean” illegal money during this period by burying it among holiday expenses or donations.
At the same time, financial institutions and payment platforms monitor large or unusual transactions more closely. This surveillance sometimes means that even innocent activity can raise red flags, leading to investigations or charges.
What Texas Law Says: Penal Code § 34.02
Under Texas Penal Code § 34.02, a person can be charged with money laundering if they knowingly:
- Acquire, receive, or transport proceeds from criminal activity
- Spend or invest criminal funds
- Help conceal or facilitate the movement of those funds
Remember that "knowingly" is a key factor. The state must prove that the person was aware that the money came from illegal activity.
Penalties vary based on the amount of money involved:
- $2,500–$30,000 – State jail felony (6 months–2 years)
- $30,000–$150,000 – Third-degree felony (2–10 years)
- $150,000–$300,000 – Second-degree felony (2–20 years)
- Over $300,000 – First-degree felony (5–99 years)
Convictions may include steep fines, asset forfeiture, and permanent criminal records.
What to Do If You’re Accused
A charge is not the same as a conviction—but you must act fast.
1. Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
Do not try to explain or justify transactions to investigators. Instead, call an experienced lawyer who understands white-collar crime and Texas law.
2. Stay Silent Until You Have Representation
Anything you say can be used against you, even if you’re trying to clear things up.
3. Gather Financial Records
Work with your attorney to review transactions, explain sources of funds, and build a timeline of events. Many money laundering charges stem from misunderstood or misinterpreted transactions.
4. Understand the Prosecution’s Burden
The law requires proof that you knowingly handled criminal proceeds. Without that knowledge, there is no crime.
Don’t Let One Accusation Ruin Your Life
Facing a money laundering charge during the holidays can feel overwhelming. These cases are complex, and the stakes are high—but you do not have to face them alone. At Winters & Chidester, our attorneys bring decades of combined felony defense experience and a background as Texas prosecutors. Contact us today and exercise your right to a strong defense.