Money laundering is the concealment of illegally obtained funds by way of funneling through various channels (i.e. foreign bank transfers and commercial transactions). The act of money laundering is commonly used to retain money earned through illegal activity under the guise of legitimate business and banking practices.
State and federal laws aimed to deter organized crime are aggressive in prosecuting and sentencing money laundering and other fraud offenses. If you have been accused of concealing illegally obtained funds, the professional help and guidance of an Omaha money laundering lawyer could be essential to achieving a favorable outcome in your case.
Laws Governing Money Laundering in Omaha
The Money Transmitters Act governs money laundering offenses committed within Nebraska. A violation of this law can result in civil penalties under Nebraska Revised Statutes §8-2744, which include an administrative fine of up to $5,000 for each violation in addition to the investigation costs. A violation could also carry criminal penalties for a misdemeanor offense under Neb. Rev. Stat. §8-2745, such as imprisonment for up to 1 year, a $1,000 fee, or both.
Money laundering became a federal crime through the enactment of the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986. However, the Bank Security Act (BSA) is the federal statute that agencies typically use to detect and prosecute money laundering offenses. A skilled Omaha attorney can use their understanding of the relevant local and federal statutes to help build a strong defense strategy.
Potential Money Laundering Defenses
While the numerous state and federal regulations designed to punish money laundering offenses may seem overwhelmingly stringent, there are several defense strategies available to successfully counter allegations of this nature. A local lawyer can provide relentless legal representation at every step of the legal proceeding and help determine the appropriate defense strategy to employ in your case.
For example, a well-versed legal advocate may be able to argue that there is a lack of evidence to support the prosecution’s claims. Our team can help you refute any allegations of concealing or illicitly transferring money as well as disprove your intent to commit a money laundering offense.
It may also be possible for a lawyer to argue that certain criteria for criminal money laundering were not satisfied in your case. For instance, one of our steadfast attorneys can help establish that the obtainment of funds was lawful, or that the alleged hiding or illicit transfer of funds never occurred.
How an Omaha Money Laundering Attorney Can Help
Money laundering offenses carry harsh penalties and, depending on the circumstances of a case, may result in conviction of a federal crime. With so much at stake, it could prove beneficial to retain qualified legal representation.
If you are facing money laundering charges, but you’re unsure about where to start, one of our skilled defense attorneys can help you move in the right direction. A dedicated Omaha money laundering lawyer at Berry Law can provide you with the insight and guidance you need to effectively pursue your case. Call our firm today to get started.