Money Laundering Lawyer Elizabeth, NJ

Money Laundering Attorney Elizabeth, NJ

Money laundering is a serious federal offense that carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. If you’re facing money laundering charges in Elizabeth, NJ, it’s crucial to secure experienced legal representation immediately. The complexities of financial crime laws and the aggressive prosecution tactics often employed in these cases demand a skilled and knowledgeable attorney to protect your rights and freedom.

Brett M. Rosen, Esq., a dedicated criminal defense attorney with a deep understanding of both state and federal law, is prepared to provide you with the aggressive defense you need to navigate this challenging situation. He will fight tirelessly to minimize the impact of these charges on your life and help you secure the best possible outcome.

Understanding Money Laundering in New Jersey and Federal Law

Money laundering is the process of concealing the origins of illegally obtained money, making it appear to have come from legitimate sources. This is typically done through a series of complex transactions designed to obscure the money trail and make it difficult to trace the funds back to their criminal origins.

Federal Money Laundering Laws:

The federal government takes money laundering very seriously, as it is often associated with organized crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism financing. Key federal statutes related to money laundering include:

• 18 U.S. Code § 1956: This statute prohibits individuals from engaging in financial transactions with the intent to promote unlawful activity, conceal the proceeds of unlawful activity, or avoid reporting requirements.
• 18 U.S. Code § 1957: This statute prohibits individuals from engaging in monetary transactions exceeding $10,000 derived from specified unlawful activity.

New Jersey Money Laundering Laws:

New Jersey also has its own money laundering statute, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25, which prohibits:

• Transporting or possessing property known or believed to be derived from criminal activity.
• Engaging in financial transactions with property known or believed to be derived from criminal activity.
• Organizing, supervising, or controlling the transportation, possession, or transaction of property known or believed to be derived from criminal activity.

Potential Penalties for Money Laundering

Money laundering is a serious offense, both at the federal and state levels, and the penalties can be severe:

Federal Penalties:

• Fines: Up to $500,000 or double the amount of money laundered, whichever is greater.
• Prison time: Up to 20 years in federal prison.

New Jersey Penalties:

• Second-degree crime: If the amount of money laundered is $75,000 or more, it’s a second-degree crime punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000.
• Third-degree crime: If the amount is less than $75,000, it’s a third-degree crime punishable by 3 to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $15,000.

In addition to these penalties, a conviction for money laundering can also result in:

• Forfeiture of assets: The government can seize any property or assets believed to be connected to the money laundering offense.
• Damage to your reputation: A money laundering conviction can severely damage your reputation and make it difficult to obtain employment or housing.
• Immigration consequences: If you’re not a U.S. citizen, a money laundering conviction can lead to deportation.

Defenses Against Money Laundering Charges

Building a strong defense against money laundering charges requires a thorough understanding of the law, meticulous investigation, and strategic legal maneuvering. Attorney Rosen will employ every available resource to protect your rights and freedom. Some potential defenses include:

• Lack of knowledge: The prosecution must prove that you knew the property was derived from criminal activity. If you can show that you were unaware of the source of the funds, it can be a strong defense.
• Lack of intent: The prosecution must also prove that you intended to conceal the illegal source of the funds. If you can show that your actions were not intended to launder money, but rather for legitimate purposes, it may be a defense.
• Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must present sufficient evidence to prove all elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Attorney Rosen can challenge the sufficiency of the evidence, arguing that there is no proof that the funds were derived from criminal activity or that you intended to conceal their source.
• Entrapment: If you were induced or coerced into laundering money by law enforcement, this could serve as a defense. This defense is often complex and requires demonstrating that you were not predisposed to commit the crime before the government’s involvement.
• Constitutional violations: If your rights were violated during the investigation or arrest, such as illegal search and seizure or lack of Miranda warnings, Attorney Rosen can file motions to suppress any evidence obtained illegally. This can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case and potentially lead to a dismissal of the charges.

FAQs About Money Laundering Charges in New Jersey

1. What are some common examples of money laundering?

   Money laundering can take many forms, including:

   • Structuring: Making small deposits of cash to avoid reporting requirements.
   • Smurfing: Using multiple individuals to make small deposits or purchases to avoid detection.
   • Cash businesses: Using a legitimate cash-intensive business, such as a restaurant or laundromat, to launder money.
   • Offshore accounts: Hiding money in offshore bank accounts or shell companies.
   • Real estate: Purchasing real estate with illicit funds to conceal their origin.

2. Can I be charged with money laundering even if I didn’t commit the underlying crime that generated the money?

   Yes, you can be charged with money laundering even if you were not involved in the original criminal activity that generated the funds. The focus is on your knowledge and intent when dealing with the proceeds of the crime.

3. What if I received a large sum of money as a gift or inheritance?

   If you can provide legitimate documentation to support the source of the funds, it may not be considered money laundering. However, the government may still investigate to ensure the funds are not connected to criminal activity.

4. What if I didn’t know the exact source of the money, but I suspected it might be illegal?

   Even suspicion that the funds may be derived from criminal activity can be enough to support a money laundering charge. It’s crucial to be cautious when dealing with large sums of cash or engaging in financial transactions with individuals or businesses you don’t know well.

5. What if I was pressured or coerced into laundering money?

   If you were forced to launder money under duress or coercion, it may be a defense. However, you’ll need to provide evidence to support your claim.

FAQs Continued

• What if I’m falsely accused of money laundering?
  • False accusations can have devastating consequences. An attorney can help you gather evidence to prove your innocence, challenge the accuser’s credibility, and protect your reputation.
• What is the difference between money laundering and tax evasion?
  • Money laundering involves concealing the source of illegal funds, while tax evasion involves avoiding paying taxes on legally earned income.
• Will a money laundering conviction affect my immigration status?
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, a money laundering conviction can have serious immigration consequences, including deportation.
• Can a money laundering charge be downgraded or dismissed?
  • In some cases, depending on the specific circumstances and the strength of the evidence, a money laundering charge may be downgraded or dismissed through plea negotiations or by presenting a strong defense in court.
• What should I do if I’m accused of money laundering?
  • Remain silent and immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney like Brett M. Rosen, Esq. Do not speak to law enforcement or anyone else about the allegations without legal counsel present.

Why Choose Brett M. Rosen, Esq. as Your Money Laundering Attorney?

• Extensive Experience: Mr. Rosen has a proven track record of success in defending clients against various criminal charges, including white-collar crimes like money laundering. He understands the complexities of these cases and the strategies needed to achieve the best possible outcome.
• Aggressive Advocacy: Mr. Rosen is a fearless advocate for his clients. He will fight tirelessly to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and negotiate with prosecutors to seek a reduction or dismissal of charges whenever possible.
• Personalized Attention: Mr. Rosen believes in building strong attorney-client relationships based on trust and open communication. He will take the time to understand your unique circumstances and tailor a defense strategy that meets your specific needs.
• Free Consultations: He offers free initial consultations to discuss your case and provide you with an honest assessment of your legal options.

Don’t Face Money Laundering Charge in Elizabeth, NJ Alone!

Money laundering charges are complex and carry severe consequences. If you’re facing these charges in Elizabeth, New Jersey, don’t face them alone. Contact Brett M. Rosen, Esq., today for a free consultation. He will provide you with the experienced and dedicated representation you need to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

908-312-0368 & brett@nynjcriminalcivilesq.com

Remember: Your freedom and financial future are at stake. Let Brett M. Rosen be your advocate.