Money laundering charges rarely stand alone — they almost always ride alongside another federal case, from drug trafficking to fraud, and they can add up to 20 additional years on top of whatever else you’re already facing. A Houston federal criminal defense lawyer can explain exactly how these charges get built.
What the Government Has to Prove
- Underlying criminal proceeds: The money involved has to be traceable to specified unlawful activity — a predicate crime like drug trafficking, fraud, or bribery.
- A qualifying transaction: Conducting or attempting a financial transaction with those proceeds, done to promote the underlying crime, conceal its source, or evade reporting requirements.
How Federal Law Punishes It
- Up to 20 years in federal prison, plus forfeiture of any property involved in the transaction.
Where the Defense Focuses
Whether you actually knew the funds were connected to unlawful activity is often the central battle — knowledge is a required element, not a presumption. Because these charges are usually layered on top of another federal case, the strategy for the money laundering count has to work together with the defense on the underlying charge, not separately.
Facing Federal Money Laundering Charges? Contact Blass Law Now
Contact Blass Law for a confidential case evaluation or call (713)-664-4000 — these cases require a coordinated defense across every charge you’re facing.