Allegations of money laundering do tremendous damage to your reputation, career, and personal relationships. This can potentially ruin your relationships, leaving you ostracized from everyone who matters to you. A conviction may also mean jail time. When it comes to accusations of financial misappropriation, prosecutors take these cases seriously and pursue them aggressively.
This is why it is important to secure skilled legal help from a seasoned Lexington money laundering lawyer. At the Law Office of Bill Nettles, our white-collar defense attorneys are experienced in providing strategic legal defense for individuals accused of white-collar crimes.
Under South Carolina Code Section 35-11-740, the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally engaged in unlawful financial transactions. In essence, they must demonstrate to the court that the accused was fully aware that the money they were handling was being misappropriated and proceeded to execute the transaction despite that knowledge.
To make their case, the prosecution has to show that certain elements were present, including:
At least three of these conditions must be met if the prosecution wants to secure a conviction. Our Lexington defense attorneys could explore legal options and defense strategies that will invalidate the DA’s office’s money laundering accusations or make it more difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
Regardless of whether it is a state or federal case, money laundering in Lexington is often charged as a felony. However, the class of felony is largely contingent on the amount involved in a year. The consequences of being convicted include:
A conviction also means a criminal record that affects everything from your job opportunities to your ability to access loans and a mortgage. Additionally, your civil liberties may be limited, thus preventing you from running for public office, owning and carrying firearms, or even voting in elections. At the Law Office of Bill Nettles, our experienced Lexington attorneys could provide the legal support you need to minimize the impacts of a money laundering charge.
Valid criminal defense strategies that can help a money-laundering defendant include demonstrating that they were unaware of the source of the funds, had no intention to conceal or promote further crimes, or made a good-faith mistake.
Other defenses we can pursue include entrapment, if law enforcement officials forced you to engage in the activity, or Fourth Amendment violations. Our Lexington legal team could draw on their experience to identify the most effective defense in your money laundering case. Bill Nettles’ extensive experience as a public defender and white-collar solo practitioner gives you access to strategic legal guidance and a rigorous defense.
At the Law Office of Bill Nettles, our highly experienced attorneys are uniquely equipped to handle cases involving accusations of money laundering. Our legal team handles white-collar crimes like this regularly, and we know how to navigate them with focused attention to detail on the facts that will most help your defense strategy. Contact a Lexington money laundering lawyer from our firm today for help protecting your freedom and reputation. Call now to discuss your case.
