Powerful Defense Against Money Laundering Charges

Money laundering is a serious criminal charge often associated with organized crime. If you are under investigation for money laundering or have already been arrested, you need immediate assistance from a Florida defense attorney who understands the complexities of the charge and regularly defends clients in federal court.

The Kreiss Law Firm is a boutique law firm with two attorneys with more than 44 years of combined experience. Over the decades, we have successfully defended hundreds of clients charged with money laundering and other white collar crimes. Our clients come from all parts of Florida and all walks of life. Contact us as soon as possible after an arrest on money laundering charges so we can begin preserving your rights and fighting for your freedom.

What Is Money Laundering?

Money laundering refers to efforts to conceal illegally obtained money so that it appears to legitimately belong to the criminal. It consists of three steps: placement, layering and integration.

• Placement: depositing the money into a legitimate financial system (such as depositing it into a bank account)
• Layering: moving the money around in a series of transactions, or using fraudulent bookkeeping, to make it hard to determine where it originally came from
• Integration: returning the money to the criminal as proceeds from a legitimate business or investment

A series of federal laws, such as the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986 and the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, attempt to uncover signs of money laundering. Note that money laundering is considered a “secondary crime” because it is used to disguise the proceeds from other crimes, such as racketeering, bank fraud and wire fraud. So you could be facing additional charges on top of money laundering.

Our team of attorneys routinely handles complex financial criminal matters like money laundering. We have the resources needed to investigate the evidence and determine if there are holes in the prosecution’s case. We always seek creative solutions that other defense attorneys might miss to give you the best chance at a fair outcome.

Money Laundering FAQ

We have put together clear answers to help you navigate the legal process.

What are the signs that I may be under investigation for money laundering?

You may notice certain changes that feel sudden or out of place. Signs that may point to a deeper review of your financial activity include:

• Unexpected contact from federal agencies, including interview requests or subpoenas: These often arrive without warning and suggest your records or actions are under review.
• Bank account restrictions or sudden freezes: Financial institutions may act quickly when activity raises internal concerns.
• Increased attention on large, repeated or international transactions: Patterns that seem unusual can trigger further scrutiny.

These signs do not always mean charges will follow, but they should not be ignored.

Can a business be charged with money laundering, or is it only individuals?

Yes. Businesses are reviewed based on how they handle financial activity, including:

• Weak or missing compliance systems that fail to track transactions properly
• Participation in transactions that appear to conceal or move funds unlawfully
• Industries with high transaction volume, such as real estate, banking or digital assets. These sectors often face closer review.

Remember, these matters tend to involve detailed financial analysis and long reviews. The outcome can affect not only legal exposure but also daily operations and reputation.

What should I do if federal investigators contact me about money laundering?

Being contacted by investigators can feel unsettling. In these moments, it helps to move carefully and stay aware of your rights, including:

• Avoid making statements before you fully understand your position. Even casual remarks can later be used as evidence.
• Do not provide documents or records without clarity on what is being requested. Financial details can be interpreted in different ways.
• Remain calm and measured during any interaction. Investigators are trained to gather information, even in routine conversations.

These early interactions can shape how the situation develops.

How long does a money laundering case usually take to resolve?

The timeline for a money laundering case can vary widely depending on:

• The number and complexity of financial transactions under review. Larger or layered transactions take more time to analyze.
• Whether the case involves federal agencies or multiple parties. Broader investigations tend to move more slowly.
• The presence of related charges or international elements. These can extend the process significantly.

Some cases may move forward within months, while others can take much longer.

Find Out Your Options For Dealing With A Money Laundering Charge

Schedule your free legal consultation with one of our lawyers. Call 888-211-4156 or email us to reach our downtown Fort Lauderdale office.