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Defense against federal money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956 and 1957 in the
District of Arizona. Protecting your assets and your freedom.
30+ Years Federal Defense
They’re saying the money in your account came from illegal activity or that you helped move someone else’s money. Money laundering charges carry up to 20 years per count and the government can seize everything you own while the case is pending. Your bank accounts get frozen. Your property gets taken. Your business can’t operate. They do this before you’ve been convicted of anything because the law lets them.
I’ve handled complex money laundering cases involving millions of dollars and I’ve gotten cases dismissed where the government couldn’t prove my client knew the money’s origin. The key is getting involved early before the government locks down their narrative. Call me now.
Federal money laundering is primarily governed by two distinct statutes: 18 U.S.C. § 1956 and 18 U.S.C. § 1957. While both target the movement of illicit funds, they have different elements and penalties.
Section 1956 is the broader and more severely punished of the two statutes. It criminalizes the act of conducting a financial transaction with the proceeds of a “specified unlawful activity” (SUA) with a specific intent.
To secure a conviction under § 1956(a)(1), the government must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
Sentencing in federal court is heavily influenced by the United States Sentencing Guidelines (USSG). Money laundering offenses are governed by USSG § 2S1.1.
Under § 2S1.1, the base offense level is determined in one of two ways:
The guidelines provide for several enhancements that can significantly increase the offense level and, consequently, the recommended prison sentence:
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has increasingly prioritized the prosecution of money laundering, viewing it as the lifeblood of transnational criminal organizations, drug cartels, and sophisticated fraud schemes.
The District of Arizona, encompassing both the Phoenix and Tucson divisions, presents a unique landscape for money laundering prosecutions due to its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona places a high priority on prosecuting money laundering associated with:
Recent cases in Arizona highlight these priorities. For example, federal prosecutors have secured convictions against individuals operating complex networks that funneled millions of dollars in drug proceeds through seemingly legitimate businesses in Phoenix and Tucson before transferring the funds to Mexico.
Federal money laundering investigations are typically long, complex and resource-intensive. They are rarely conducted by a single agency.
Investigations are often triggered by:
Money laundering charges arise in a variety of contexts, but certain fact patterns are particularly common:
Defending against federal money laundering charges requires a sophisticated understanding of financial transactions and federal criminal law. Experienced defense attorneys employ several strategies:
A federal money laundering conviction carries devastating collateral consequences that extend far beyond incarceration and fines:
A: Money laundering involves conducting financial transactions with the proceeds of illegal activity to conceal their source or promote further crime. Structuring involves breaking down cash transactions (even legitimate cash) to evade the $10,000 reporting requirement. Structuring can be a form of money laundering if the cash is illicit, but it is also a standalone crime under 31 U.S.C. § 5324.
A: Yes. You do not need to be involved in the underlying crime (e.g., the fraud or drug trafficking) to be charged with money laundering. If you knowingly conduct a financial transaction with the proceeds of that crime to conceal its source, you can be prosecuted.
A: An SUA is a predicate offense that generates the illicit funds. The federal statute lists hundreds of SUAs, including drug trafficking, wire fraud, mail fraud, healthcare fraud, human trafficking, and various state and foreign crimes.
A: The government can prove knowledge through direct evidence (e.g., emails, text messages, recorded conversations) or circumstantial evidence. They can also rely on the doctrine of “willful blindness” or “conscious avoidance,” arguing that you deliberately ignored obvious red flags that the money was tainted.
A: Generally, no. There is a specific safe harbor provision in 18 U.S.C. § 1957(f)(1) that exempts transactions necessary to preserve a person’s right to representation as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment. However, this exemption is narrow and does not protect attorneys who actively participate in concealing funds.
A: You should politely decline to answer any questions and immediately contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Do not attempt to explain the transactions or provide documents without legal representation.
A: These investigations are notoriously slow and can take months or even years. Federal agencies meticulously gather bank records, tax returns, and witness testimony before seeking an indictment. If you suspect you are under investigation, early intervention by an attorney is crucial.
Facing federal charges? Call now for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced federal defense attorney who has handled these cases for over 30 years.
Available 24/7 — Nights & Weekends
30+ Years Federal Defense Experience
U.S. Army Veteran (82nd Airborne)
Time is critical when facing federal charges. Every day without experienced counsel is a
day the government uses to build its case against you. Contact Myles A. Schneider today
for a free, confidential consultation.
Available 24/7 – Free consultation for all federal criminal matters
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