Money laundering is a serious federal and state crime that carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and lasting damage to both your personal and professional life. If you are under investigation or have been charged with money laundering, protecting your rights starts with experienced legal counsel.
At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, our Pittsburgh federal criminal defense attorneys understand the complexities of money laundering laws. We evaluate every detail of your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and fight to safeguard your future. Call today at (412) 281-2146 or complete our online contact form to protect your future today.
What Is Money Laundering Under Pennsylvania and Federal Law?
Money laundering typically involves concealing or disguising the origin of funds obtained illegally. In Pennsylvania and under federal law, the crime can take many forms, including transferring, depositing, or structuring financial transactions to hide criminal activity.
You don’t need to have personally committed the underlying crime to face money laundering charges—handling, moving, or concealing illicit funds can be enough.
Common examples of money laundering include:
- Transferring cash or assets obtained through drug trafficking, fraud, or embezzlement: This can include money from illicit activities such as drug trafficking, fraud schemes, embezzlement, or other illegal enterprises, often moved through accounts or businesses to conceal their origin.
- Using shell companies or offshore accounts: Criminals may create complex corporate structures or establish foreign accounts to conceal illegal proceeds, making it more challenging for authorities to trace the source of funds.
- Structuring bank deposits: Also known as “smurfing`,” this involves breaking up large sums of money into smaller deposits to evade reporting requirements, which can itself be a criminal offense.
Because money laundering laws apply to both direct and indirect involvement, early legal intervention is critical. An experienced attorney can help analyze your financial activities, identify potential risks, and develop a strategy to defend against state or federal charges.
Common Money Laundering Charges in Pennsylvania
Money laundering charges in Pennsylvania can vary depending on the nature of the transaction, the amount of money involved, and whether the activity is connected to other criminal acts. Both state and federal authorities take these cases very seriously, often pursuing severe penalties. Understanding the different types of charges can help you see the potential consequences and the importance of skilled legal defense.
Federal Money Laundering Charges
Federal authorities often prosecute money laundering cases under statutes such as the Bank Secrecy Act and the Money Laundering Control Act, as well as related statutes. These cases frequently involve complex financial investigations, including tracking wire transfers, bank accounts, and corporate structures to uncover the flow of illicit funds.
Federal money laundering charges can carry:
- Up to 20 years in federal prison
- Significant fines and asset forfeiture, including seized property and accounts
- A permanent felony record that can affect employment, professional licensing, and other aspects of your life
Because federal prosecutors often pursue aggressive penalties, even minor involvement in laundering schemes can have serious consequences. Skilled legal representation is crucial for challenging evidence, addressing procedural errors, or contesting overreaching charges.
State-Level Money Laundering Charges
Pennsylvania law treats money laundering as a serious felony, with penalties that vary depending on the amount of money involved, the underlying criminal activity, and the defendant’s role in the scheme. State-level charges can include:
- First-degree felony: Up to 20 years in prison for major schemes involving significant amounts of illicit funds
- Second-degree felony: Up to 10 years in prison for lesser but still serious offenses
- Fines, restitution, and forfeiture of property connected to criminal activity
Even indirect or unintentional involvement in illegal financial transactions can trigger criminal liability under Pennsylvania law. Early legal intervention is crucial to protect your rights, challenge evidence, and develop a strong defense strategy.
How Are Money Laundering Cases Investigated in Pittsburgh?
Money laundering investigations are often sophisticated and involve coordination between multiple agencies, including:
- Pittsburgh Police Financial Crimes Unit
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division
- Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Units
Investigators may track bank accounts, wire transfers, and financial records, analyze corporate structures, and interview witnesses. Because these cases rely heavily on technical financial evidence, errors in collection or interpretation can provide critical grounds for a defense.
Penalties for Money Laundering in Pennsylvania
Money laundering is a felony with consequences that extend beyond imprisonment. Depending on the severity and circumstances, penalties can include:
- Lengthy prison sentences (up to 20 years for federal first-degree charges)
- Criminal fines and restitution
- Forfeiture of assets, bank accounts, and property
- Damage to professional licenses, employment opportunities, and personal reputation
Facing Money Laundering Charges? Protect Your Rights Immediately
Authorities often initiate investigations long before formal charges are filed. If you are contacted by law enforcement, bank investigators, or federal agents, it is critical not to speak without an attorney. Even casual statements can be used against you. You have the right to remain silent and to secure legal counsel to protect your future.
Why Choose Worgul, Sarna & Ness for Money Laundering Defense?
Our Pittsburgh criminal defense attorneys have deep experience handling complex financial crime cases. We understand both state and federal money laundering laws, and we know how to challenge financial evidence that may be flawed or misinterpreted.
We will work to:
- Analyze financial records and transactions for errors or gaps
- Challenge evidence obtained through improper investigation
- Negotiate reduced charges or dismissals when possible
- Protect your assets and personal reputation
We fight with skill, urgency, and dedication to protect our clients’ futures.
Your Money Laundering Questions Answered: Pennsylvania Legal Guidance
Can I be charged with money laundering if I didn’t know the money was illegal?
Yes. Prosecutors often only need to prove that you handled or moved funds you should have reasonably known were connected to criminal activity. Even if you were unaware, your actions can still meet the legal standard for money laundering, making early legal representation critical.
What should I do if federal agents are investigating me?
Do not speak to agents or answer questions without legal counsel, even if you think the conversation is casual. Anything you say can be used against you, and a skilled criminal defense attorney can guide you on how to protect your rights while gathering evidence to support your defense.
How long do money laundering cases take?
Money laundering cases can take months or even years due to their complexity and the volume of financial records involved. Timely legal intervention can make a significant difference in the investigation of evidence, the identification of procedural errors, and the negotiation of potential resolutions.
Can my assets be seized if I’m charged?
Yes. Both federal and state authorities can pursue asset forfeiture, including bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, and other property tied to the alleged criminal activity. An experienced attorney can help challenge improper seizures, protect your legitimate assets, and work to minimize financial consequences.
Protect Your Rights with a Pittsburgh Money Laundering Lawyer
If you are facing money laundering charges in Pennsylvania, time is of the essence. You need experienced legal counsel who can navigate complex financial investigations and help protect your rights and future.
Call (412) 281-2146 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation. At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, we stand ready to defend you against felony charges with strategy, discretion, and proven experience.
