White-collar crimes like money laundering can carry steep penalties if one is convicted of the crime. Although money laundering crimes may not result in physical harm to another person, these offenses are still heavily persecuted in Texas. Money Laundering is a felony-level crime and can have serious impacts on your personal life as well as the legal repercussions you may face. While it may feel like the criminal justice system is against you after you have been charged with money laundering, a San Antonio money laundering lawyer can assist you by helping you build a strong defense case.
After being charged with a white-collar crime like money laundering, it is vital that you partner with our trusted criminal defense lawyer Sophia C. Martinez. When you are charged with a crime as serious as money laundering, you may be facing serious penalties depending on the specific details of your case and your criminal history. You can rely on former Assistant District Attorney Sophia C. Martinez to construct a solid strategy and use her 25+ years of experience as a Criminal Defense Attorney to assist with your money laundering defense case in San Antonio.
How Does Texas Law Define Money Laundering?
Money laundering is viewed as a serious crime in Texas. Texas law describes money laundering as a crime involving knowingly having an interest in, concealing, transferring, transporting, or facilitating a transaction involving the proceeds of a criminal activity. Money laundering can also involve criminal activities like investing proceeds, receiving them, spending them, or financing them. Criminal activity in these cases can include any offense classified as a felony in Texas.
Texas law does not require the defendant to have known about the criminal activity that gave rise to the proceeds in order for them to be convicted of the crime. The law only requires that they know the money was obtained illegally. If you were accused of money laundering in San Antonio, the government believes you have designed financial transactions for purposes of tax evasion, securities fraud, or concealment of illegal or illegitimate business activities like extortion or embezzlement schemes. For help understanding the charges being brought against you and to ensure your rights are protected, contact San Antonio money laundering lawyer Sophia C. Martinez.
What Are the Penalties for Money Laundering Convictions in San Antonio?
Regardless of the amount of money that was laundered, money laundering is always a felony offense in the state of Texas. However, the amount of money involved in your case may determine the severity of your penalty if you are convicted. If you are charged with money laundering in San Antonio, Texas, you may be facing the following legal repercussions:
- First Degree Felony: You may be charged with a first-degree felony if the value of the funds involved in the crime is $300,000 or more.
- Second Degree Felony: This felony is charged when the crime involves between $150,000 or more but less than $300,000.
- Third Degree Felony: These money laundering crimes involve $30,000 or more but less than $150,000 in funds being laundered.
- State Jail Felony: A state jail felony for money laundering in San Antonio, Texas, involves funds of $2,500 or more but less than $30,000.
To avoid these charges and to discuss your legal options moving forward, contact Sophia Martinez Law as soon as possible. San Antonio money laundering attorney Sophia C. Martinez can use her knowledge and experience to ensure your rights and interests are protected throughout your case.
Possible Defense Strategies for a Money Laundering Case in San Antonio
When you face serious criminal charges like money laundering, you may feel helpless against the courts. However, you always have options when it comes to the justice system. To ensure your rights and interests are protected in your money laundering case, you will need a strong defense strategy. Some possible defense strategies that could work for your case include the following:
- Lack of knowledge of criminal activities
- The transaction was necessary to preserve your right to representation as guaranteed in the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, or
- The funds were received as bona fide legal fees by a licensed attorney, and at the time of their receipt, the attorney did not have actual knowledge that the funds paid to them were derived from criminal activity
- The defendant acted with the intention to facilitate the lawful seizure, forfeiture, or disposition of the funds or other legitimate law enforcement purposes pursuant to the law.
While each defense strategy may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, when you work with San Antonio money laundering lawyer Sophia C. Martinez, she can assist you in moving forward with the best option for your unique case.
Build a Strong Case With San Antonio Money Laundering Attorney Sophia C. Martinez
To ensure your rights and interests are protected following an arrest for money laundering in San Antonio, contact Former Assistant District Attorney Sophia C. Martinez to get help building your defense case. Attorney Sophia C. Martinez, a former prosecutor and defense attorney with over 25 years of experience, will work hard to help clients charged with white-collar crimes like money laundering in Texas.
To schedule a free evaluation with Attorney Sophia C. Martinez regarding your criminal defense case, contact Sophia Martinez Law today by completing our contact form or calling (210) 226-3000. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. She also speaks Spanish.