Money Laundering & Forfeiture Law

Miami Money Laundering & Forfeiture Defense Attorney

Almost every major drug investigation or arrest is accompanied by a money-laundering charge and asset forfeiture. If you have been charged with money laundering, or if assets of yours have been seized in connection with a drug or other arrest, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A conviction can not only result in incarceration; it can also wipe you out financially.

At the Law Offices of Bruce A. Alter we have represented many clients accused of Money Laundering or involved in forfeiture proceedings. Both Money Laundering and Asset Forfeiture are newly developing areas of the law. One who specializes in this area will take advantage of new developments in this area.

Money laundering

Money laundering can involve many technical legal issues. Basically, money laundering is a process through which income from illegal activities is disguised, concealed, or made to look legitimate in order to avoid detection or to further criminal activity. This allows the criminals to use the fruits of their illegal activity without raising suspicions.

 Money laundering cases allow the Government to seize large amounts of money through asset forfeiture laws. Consequently, money laundering prosecutions are more and more frequent. The government is authorized to forfeit not only money that can be traced directly to criminal activity, but also any money that is "commingled" with the tainted money. For example, the government may seek to forfeit all the money in a bank account, even if they can trace only a small portion to illegal activity.

Money Laundering prosecutions are extremely complex. They most often turn on a detailed analysis of financial and banking records. At the Law Offices of Bruce A. Alter we often employ the services of a certified forensic accountant to join the criminal defense team. An attorney must also be knowledgeable in the area of international finance, as many of these prosecutions involve the transfer of monies outside the country.

The penalties for money laundering include a sentence of up to twenty years in prison. Additionally, a person convicted may be fined up to $500,000, or twice the value of the money laundered. As with other Federal crimes, penalties are affected by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Asset forfeiture

In addition to criminal prosecution, the government may try to seize the property involved in the criminal activity. The government can do this if they can show the asset was used to facilitate the commission of a crime, or was purchased with proceeds from the criminal activity. For example, if a house, car, boat, or plane was used to facilitate the commission of a crime the government may attempt to confiscate it. Likewise, if the house, car, boat, or plane was purchased with money derived from illegal activities, the government can confiscate it. Each year both the Federal and Florida governments make millions of dollars through forfeiture proceedings.

If you or someone you know has been served with legal papers indicating the government is attempting to forfeit or confiscate assets, call the Law Offices of Bruce A. Alter.

Free consultation: Contact Miami criminal defense attorney Bruce Alter if you have been charged with money laundering or if your property is subject to a forfeiture proceeding.