Money laundering charges can change everything for an individual or business, and, like many other offenses, the potential penalties vary drastically by jurisdiction. To understand the charges and penalties for money laundering in Louisiana, it’s important to understand what the law considers money laundering first.
According to Louisiana’s revised statute 14:230, money laundering is classified as transactions that involve proceeds of criminal activity and can be prosecuted by state and federal law. Revised statute 14:230 explains that it’s unlawful to orchestrate a financial transaction when its sole purpose is to disguise the true origin of the proceeds.
Generally, the penalties for money laundering are dependent on the severity of the offense and the amount of money involved. The Capitelli & Wicker team in New Orleans, Louisiana understands the complexities of white-collar crimes. In this blog, we break down the potential charges and penalties of money laundering and provide you with the next steps on what to do should you be accused of money laundering.
The Legal Consequences of Money Laundering in New Orleans, Louisiana
Money laundering is typically considered a felony offense in Louisiana, and individuals convicted of money laundering may face significant legal repercussions.
In Louisiana, the penalties for money laundering are dependent on the amount of money involved in the laundering scheme. For instance:
- If the amount of money involved in the laundering scheme is less than $3,000, the offender may face imprisonment for up to six months and fines of up to $1,000, or both.
- If the amount of money involved in the laundering scheme is $3,000 or more but less than $20,000, the offender may be subject to 2 to 10 years and fines of up to $10,000.
- If the amount of money involved in the laundering scheme is more than $20,000 but less than $100,000, the offender may be imprisoned for 2 to 20 years and subject to fines of up to $20,000.
- If the amount exceeds $100,000, the penalties become even more severe, with offenders facing imprisonment for up to 99 years and fines of up to $50,000.
Additionally, individuals convicted of money laundering may also be asked to forfeit any assets gained from or used during the offense. This means that any property, money, or assets obtained illegally or used to facilitate money laundering activities can be seized by the government.
What Should I Do If I’m Accused of Money Laundering in Louisiana?
If you’re accused of money laundering, navigating the legal complexities can be daunting. There are several immediate steps you can take to help protect yourself:
- Contact a white-collar defense attorney. Reach out to an experienced white-collar defense attorney. Your attorney will serve as your advocate, providing legal guidance, protecting your rights, and crafting a robust defense strategy tailored to your circumstances, so picking the right team is essential.
- Understand the allegations. Take the time to fully comprehend the nature of the charges you’re up against. Your attorney will explain the nuances in detail, outlining the potential legal implications and consequences of the charges, but understanding the charges is crucial for making informed decisions throughout the process.
- Gather all relevant evidence: Collect and keep copies of all relevant documentation, financial records, emails, and other materials that could help support your case. This evidence will be critical in building a strong defense, and your attorney should work closely with you to ensure that all evidence is identified and safely kept.
The Importance of an Experienced Money Laundering Defense Lawyer in New Orleans
Accusations of money laundering are serious and involve serious repercussions. A knowledgeable attorney can help guide you and work together with you toward a resolution of your case.
The Capitelli & Wicker team has experience crafting strategic approaches to white-collar defense cases and is committed to achieving the best outcome possible for our clients.
