Money Laundering Lawyer in San Antonio

Partner with Us for a Strong Defense Against Federal Charges

At the Law Office of Guillermo Lara Jr., we're dedicated to providing top-tier criminal defense for those facing money laundering charges in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. Our client-focused approach ensures personalized attention and strategic legal representation tailored to protect your rights and freedom.

Money laundering allegations can be daunting, given their complexity and the severe penalties involved. This crime often involves intricate financial transactions designed to conceal the origins of illicit money, making it imperative to have a knowledgeable legal team on your side. 

In a bustling economic hub like San Antonio, where business transactions are frequent, these cases require specific local expertise and an in-depth understanding of financial regulations. Our firm is committed to unraveling the complexities of each case, offering clarity and strategically driven solutions to protect your future.

Contact a money laundering lawyer in San Antonio to protect your rights. Call (210) 787-2842 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation—24/7 availability.

Understanding Money Laundering Laws in Texas

In Texas, the crime of money laundering is legally defined under the Texas Penal Code, Title 7, Chapter 34, Section 34.02. A person commits this offense if they knowingly engage in one of several actions with funds that they know are the proceeds of criminal activity. This is a serious offense under state and federal laws.

The law is broad and can be applied to a wide range of financial transactions. A knowledgeable San Antonio money laundering attorney will meticulously analyze the specific statute under which you are charged to find any weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

To secure a conviction for money laundering, the prosecution must prove several key elements beyond a reasonable doubt. 

These elements revolve around the concepts of "knowledge," "criminal activity," and the "proceeds" of that activity.

• Knowledge: The state must prove that you knowingly engaged in the transaction. However, the law does not require you to have knowledge of the specific criminal activity that generated the funds. The law provides for a presumption of knowledge if a peace officer represents to you that the funds are proceeds of a crime.
• Criminal Activity: The state must prove that the funds were the proceeds of a criminal activity. "Criminal activity" is broadly defined as any offense, including any preparatory offense, that is classified as a felony under the laws of Texas or the United States, or is punishable by confinement for more than one year under the laws of another state.
• Prohibited Act: The state must prove that you performed one of the following acts:
  • Acquired, maintained an interest in, concealed, possessed, transferred, or transported the proceeds of criminal activity.
  • Conducted, supervised, or facilitated a transaction involving the proceeds of criminal activity.
  • Invested, expended, or received the proceeds of criminal activity or funds you believed were the proceeds of criminal activity.

The prosecution's case often relies on complex financial records, bank statements, and the testimony of law enforcement, financial professionals, and confidential informants. As seasoned money laundering lawyers in San Antonio, we will challenge the government's evidence at every turn, scrutinizing the methods used to collect and analyze the evidence and questioning the credibility of their witnesses.

Classifications and Degrees of Money Laundering Charges in Texas

In Texas, money laundering is a felony offense, and the classification and penalties are determined by the value of the funds involved. The penalties escalate with the amount of money laundered.

• State Jail Felony: If the value of the funds is $2,500 or more but less than $30,000, the charge is a state jail felony, punishable by 180 days to two years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Third-Degree Felony: If the value of the funds is $30,000 or more but less than $150,000, the charge is a third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Second-Degree Felony: If the value of the funds is $150,000 or more but less than $300,000, the charge is a second-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• First-Degree Felony: If the value of the funds is $300,000 or more, the charge is a first-degree felony, punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

A knowledgeable San Antonio money laundering attorney will work to prevent any enhancement of your charges and will fight for a resolution that minimizes the impact on your life.

Penalties of a Money Laundering Conviction in Texas

A conviction for money laundering is a life-altering event. The legal penalties can be severe, and the collateral consequences of a white-collar crime can be even more devastating, creating barriers that can feel impossible to overcome. 

The direct legal penalties for a money laundering conviction in Texas are steep and often include:

• Incarceration: Prison time, ranging from a few years for a state jail felony to a life sentence for a first-degree felony.
• Fines: Fines can be substantial, often reaching into the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
• Forfeiture: Texas law allows for the forfeiture of property, including vehicles, homes, and other assets that were used in the commission of a money laundering crime.
• Probation and Supervised Release: A conviction will likely be followed by a period of supervised probation, during which you must adhere to strict conditions. A violation of these terms can lead to re-incarceration.

Collateral Consequences

A criminal record for a felony conviction can follow you for the rest of your life, making it incredibly difficult to find employment, obtain professional licenses, or secure housing. Many employers and professional licensing boards have zero-tolerance policies for these convictions, and landlords often deny rental applications to those with a criminal record.

Additionally, a felony conviction will result in a permanent ban on owning or possessing a firearm. For non-citizens, a conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation. The social stigma attached to these crimes can also damage your reputation and personal relationships..