Money Laundering

Georgetown Money Laundering Criminal Lawyer

Accused of Money Laundering? Protect Your Freedom Now

Money laundering is a serious financial crime involving the process of making large amounts of money generated by criminal activities appear to have come from a legitimate source. As a significant financial hub, Georgetown faces money laundering issues that require keen attention to detail and legal precision to navigate.

According to Texas state laws, money laundering charges can involve hefty fines and extensive prison sentences, affecting both individuals and businesses within the region.

Our firm, Winters & Chidester, based in Georgetown, focuses on navigating these complex charges through a thorough understanding of both state and federal laws governing such crimes. Our attorneys, who have previously served as prosecutors, leverage their insights to anticipate prosecutorial strategies and build robust defenses tailored to each client's unique situation.

Connect with an experienced Georgetown money laundering defense lawyer to discuss your case—free of charge. Call (512) 961-4555 now or reach out online to get started.

What Constitutes Money Laundering in Texas?

Under the Texas Penal Code § 34.02, money laundering occurs when a person knowingly:

Conducts, supervises, or facilitates a transaction involving the proceeds of criminal activity
Invests, expends, or receives the proceeds of criminal activity
Finances or invests funds they know are the proceeds of criminal activity
Transports, conceals, or possesses criminal proceeds to avoid reporting or detection

Money laundering charges don’t require direct involvement in the original crime—only knowledge (or willful ignorance) that the funds came from illegal activity and participation in efforts to conceal or process them.

The offense typically unfolds in three stages: placement, layering, and integration. Placement involves introducing illicit funds into the financial system; layering obscures their origin through multiple complex transactions; and integration reintroduces the money as seemingly legitimate income. A strong legal defense must carefully examine each phase to challenge the prosecution’s narrative and weaken their case.

Money Laundering Penalties in Texas

The penalties for money laundering vary based on the amount of money allegedly involved in the offense. Under Texas law:

$2,500 – $29,999: State jail felony (180 days to 2 years in jail, up to $10,000 fine)
$30,000 – $149,999: Third-degree felony (2 to 10 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine)
$150,000 – $299,999: Second-degree felony (2 to 20 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine)
$300,000 or more: First-degree felony (5 to 99 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine)

Federal money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 or § 1957 carry even steeper penalties, including up to 20 years in federal prison per offense, asset forfeiture, and IRS involvement. If your case involves cross-border transactions, shell companies, or cryptocurrency, it may attract federal interest.

Our Georgetown money laundering attorney can determine whether your case may be prosecuted at the state or federal level—and more importantly, how to intervene early to reduce your exposure.

How Money Laundering Investigations Usually Unfold?

Money laundering cases rarely begin with an arrest. More often, they begin with quiet investigation by agencies such as:

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
Local law enforcement's financial crimes units

These agencies may work together to review bank records, monitor wire transfers, conduct surveillance, subpoena documents, or utilize confidential informants. If your bank account is frozen, you receive a grand jury subpoena, or agents contact you for questioning, it's time to speak with a Georgetown money laundering attorney. Proactive legal counsel during the investigation stage can prevent formal charges—or at least give your defense a significant head start.

How Do We Build a Strong Money Laundering Criminal Defense in Georgetown?

Constructing a strong defense against money laundering allegations requires attention to detail and strategic planning. At Winters & Chidester, we combine our former prosecutorial experience and detailed preparation to craft defenses that stand up to scrutiny.

Analyze Financial Transactions: We carefully scrutinize financial records to identify any legitimate activities, ensuring that they are not misconstrued as illicit.
Challenge Evidence: By questioning the legality and accuracy of the evidence presented, we protect our clients from potentially faulty accusations.
Negotiate Strategically: When appropriate, our team works to negotiate for reduced charges or alternative resolutions, focusing on the best outcome for our clients.

Our strategy begins with an exhaustive analysis of the prosecution’s evidence and approach. This includes scrutinizing how evidence was obtained and whether procedural errors were made by law enforcement during the investigation or arrest. We also examine the financial paper trail and electronic transactions that the prosecution may present, identifying gaps or inconsistencies that question the integrity of their claims.

Why Choose a Local Money Laundering Criminal Defense Team?

When facing money laundering charges, having a local criminal defense team like Winters & Chidester offers significant advantages. We understand the specific challenges and nuances of financial crimes within the Georgetown context, providing our clients with strategies optimized for local legal environments.

With our bilingual legal support in both English and Spanish, we ensure that all clients receive clear and direct communication, which is crucial when dealing with the intricate aspects of money laundering charges. By choosing us, clients benefit from our deep understanding of local judicial processes and our commitment to thorough preparation, whether negotiating plea deals or proceeding to trial.

Moreover, local courts and prosecutors' offices each have their own procedures and personnel. Familiarity with these entities can significantly impact the progression and resolution of a legal case. Our attorneys’ prior experience as prosecutors gives us unique insights into the strategies employed by the opposing party. This knowledge enables us to not only predict potential moves but also proactively counteract them, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the defense we construct for our clients.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Don't navigate the legal complexities of money laundering charges alone. At Winters & Chidester, we are dedicated to providing high-quality representation for each client, informed by our deep understanding of the Georgetown legal landscape. Contact us today at (512) 961-4555 to schedule your free consultation. Let us offer the support and strategic defense you need to protect your rights and move forward confidently.

Our commitment to client success is unwavering. With Winters & Chidester by your side, experience the assurance that comes from working with a team that prioritizes your best interests, exploring every legal avenue to secure the most favorable outcomes. Take the first step towards your defense strategy now.

FAQs About Money Laundering in Georgetown

How Does Money Laundering Affect My Rights?

Facing money laundering charges can have significant implications on your rights, both financially and legally. The severity of these charges can result in asset forfeiture, freezing of accounts, and potential loss of business licenses. Furthermore, criminal convictions can lead to hefty fines and imprisonment. It's crucial to work with a qualified money laundering criminal lawyer in Georgetown to safeguard your rights and navigate the complexities of your case effectively.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences for Money Laundering in Texas?

Beyond the immediate legal penalties, those convicted may encounter barriers in professional settings, including difficulty obtaining loans or employment due to damaged credit and reputation. Working closely with a money laundering lawyer in Georgetown, like those at Winters & Chidester, ensures a comprehensive approach aimed not only at legal defense but also at crafting strategies to mitigate collateral damages that could affect one’s future.

Can Money Laundering Charges Be Dropped or Reduced?

Money laundering charges can, in some instances, be reduced or dropped, particularly if the defense can demonstrate a lack of intent or if errors in the prosecution's evidence are identified. Engaging a skilled money laundering criminal defense lawyer in Georgetown, such as those at Winters & Chidester, will enhance the chances of negotiating lesser charges or exploring alternative resolutions.

Successful defense strategies often involve proving the absence of criminal intent or demonstrating legitimate business operations mistaken for illegal activities. Our experienced team is adept at uncovering such critical legal arguments and presenting them effectively, ensuring the best possible outcome for clients.

How Can Winters & Chidester Assist with My Money Laundering Defense?

At Winters & Chidester, we stand fully prepared to support clients through every stage of their defense, offering legal guidance combined with personalized attention. Our experienced team focuses on gathering all necessary evidence, challenging prosecutions, and delivering clear legal guidance. By leveraging our prosecutorial experience, we ensure that every client receives a defense that factors in local legal nuances and focuses on achieving favorable outcomes.

Our service extends beyond the immediate legal processes, providing clients with insights into rehabilitation and preventive measures to safeguard against future legal challenges. We are committed to empowering our clients with the knowledge and support needed to resume their lives with confidence after facing legal adversities.

Speak with a trusted Georgetown money laundering defense lawyer who knows how to navigate high-stakes cases. Schedule your free consultation by calling (512) 961-4555 or reaching out online today.

Real People. Real Wins.

Review Some of Our Results to See for Yourself What We’ve Worked to Achieve

As Georgetown criminal attorneys, we recognize the importance of what we do. Our goal is to help our clients face brighter futures, all while protecting their constitutional rights to the fullest. We couldn't be more proud of the people we've helped and the lives we've changed.

View All Results

No felony charge; Zero jail time DWI
We represented a client facing potential felony DWI charges due to prior convictions, along with a criminal mischief charge and a probation revocation. We helped him avoid felony charges and a criminal mischief conviction, and he served no jail time.
Case Dismissed Felony Drug Possession
Case dismissed Assault Family Violence
We represented a client who was arrested for assault family violence over the weekend. We worked quickly and got the case dismissed the following Wednesday.
Case dismissed Assault Family Violence
We represented a client accused of assault family violence. The prosecutor offered probation, but we were able to secure a dismissal for our client.
No Charges Pursued Child Abuse
We recently represented a person being investigated for sexually abusing a child. We interviewed him, worked with law enforcement, and provided an interview. As a result, no charges are being pursued.