Prosecutors take money laundering charges seriously, and even a single financial transaction can lead to a lengthy investigation. If you’re accused of money laundering in Ohio, you should get legal help and talk to our money laundering defense lawyer in Cleveland.
It can be tough to face these kinds of allegations, especially when you don’t fully understand what the charges mean or what the government claims you did. We know how these cases are built and how to take them apart, and we will guide you through every step of your case.
This includes examining how the charges came together, explaining your rights, and developing a plan to challenge the evidence in your case. To learn more about your next steps, you can contact us for a free consultation.
Understanding What Money Laundering Charges Mean in Ohio
Ohio law defines money laundering under Ohio Revised Code § 1315.55. The law makes it illegal to conduct or try to conduct a transaction that hides the source of money gained from criminal activity. This could include moving, transferring, or spending money in a way meant to make it look legitimate.
In simple terms, the charge means the government believes you used money from an illegal act—like drug sales, theft, or fraud—and then tried to disguise where it came from. You don’t have to be the person who committed the original crime to be accused of laundering the money.
Money laundering is typically charged as at least a third–degree felony, with higher-level charges possible depending on the amount involved or the presence of federal allegations. Convictions can result in years in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, and loss of property tied to the alleged crime.
Why Are Money Laundering Cases So Complex?
Money laundering investigations often involve multiple agencies, including local police, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and sometimes the FBI or IRS. The government may use financial experts and long paper trails to support its case.
That complexity means the evidence can also be challenged in many ways. Our skilled defense lawyer will analyze how the investigation started, who handled the evidence, and whether the money was truly tied to a crime. Each detail can affect how prosecutors build—or lose—their case.
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What Happens After a Money Laundering Charge in Ohio?
If you have been formally charged, the process usually begins with an arrest or a notice that you’re under investigation. From there, prosecutors collect evidence, including:
- Bank and financial records
- Business documents
- Wire transfers and cryptocurrency transactions
- Testimony from accountants or investigators
We will review all of this and look for weaknesses. The case may go through a grand jury, which decides whether formal charges should proceed. If it does, we will enter a plea on your behalf and begin preparing your defense.
Money laundering cases often run parallel with other charges like wire fraud or theft, which makes them more complicated. Our Cleveland white collar crime defense lawyer will know how to manage overlapping investigations and negotiate with prosecutors if appropriate.
Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Fight Money Laundering Charges
Much is at stake in a financial crimes case. A money laundering charge can threaten your career, finances, and freedom. You deserve a chance to fight for the best outcome.
When you come to us, our lawyer will:
- Review how investigators gathered evidence and question its accuracy.
- Examine whether the transactions had legitimate business purposes.
- Negotiate to reduce or dismiss charges when possible.
- Prepare to take the case to trial if necessary.
You deserve a defense team that treats your case with the urgency it deserves. These cases are not about quick fixes. Instead, they are about building a strategic, detailed defense that tells your side of the story.
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Parties in Money Laundering in Ohio Face Various Stiff Penalties
Under Ohio law, authorities take money laundering seriously because it involves financial systems and often crosses state lines.
Common penalties include:
- Prison time: Third-degree felony charges can carry up to five years in prison. More serious cases, or federal convictions, may lead to even longer sentences.
- Fines: Defendants can face fines of up to $10,000 or more, depending on the amount of money involved.
- Loss of property (asset forfeiture): The state can seize any property or money it believes is connected to the alleged crime.
- Restitution: Courts can order repayment of the funds if victims or businesses suffered losses.
Because the penalties can follow you for life, getting early legal representation from a criminal defense law firm is essential. Our experienced defense team will challenge the assumptions made by investigators and push back against overreaching charges.
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Defenses People Use to Challenge Money Laundering Charges
A person’s defense will be shaped by the unique details of their situation. Every case is different, but your defense may include one or more of the following arguments:
- Lack of knowledge: You did not know the money came from illegal activity.
- No intent to commit a crime: You did not intend to hide or disguise the money’s source.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution’s documents, statements, or financial records do not clearly prove laundering.
- Lawful transaction: The transaction or transfer was part of legitimate business activity.
- Illegal search or seizure: Police obtained evidence through an unlawful search, violating your Fourth Amendment rights.
A strong defense focuses on the government’s burden of proof. Our lawyer will show where the case fails to connect you directly to the alleged illegal funds or demonstrate that the evidence is too weak to support a conviction.
Things You Can Do After Learning You Are Under Investigation
If you learn the authorities are investigating you or a loved one for money laundering, take the situation seriously but stay calm. What you do next can affect your outcome.
- Do not speak to investigators without a lawyer: They can use anything you say against you later.
- Collect and protect financial records: Keep your bank statements, emails, and business files together, but share them only with your attorney.
- Avoid destroying documents or moving money: Doing so can make the situation worse or lead to additional charges.
- Come to us for experienced legal help: Contact a defense lawyer who handles complex financial cases in Ohio.
When you act quickly, our attorney can get ahead of the investigation, speak directly with prosecutors, and stop mistakes that could hurt your defense later.
You Can Prepare Now for Your Ohio Money Laundering Case
By working side by side with our attorneys, you’ll have the focused defense you need to protect your freedom. You can help by:
- Making a full list of your financial accounts and business interests.
- Sharing all communications you’ve had with investigators, banks, or coworkers.
- Following your lawyer’s instructions carefully, especially about what to say publicly.
- Staying involved and asking questions so you understand what’s happening.
At our firm, our team informs clients every step of the way through advanced communication technology. The firm’s collaborative approach means you’ll always know what’s going on in your case.
Turn to HMW Law—Ohio Trial Attorneys for a Strong Money Laundering Defense
If you are facing money laundering allegations, you don’t have time to waste. You need a team that listens, responds, and stands beside you, and we are ready to do that for you. At HMW Law—Ohio Trial Attorneys, we’ve spent 20–plus years defending people across Ohio with more than 60 years of combined experience.
Our award-winning criminal defense lawyers in Cleveland uphold the belief that “talent sets the floor, character sets the ceiling.” We also limit the cases we take so that we can fully commit to you. Your defense deserves our undivided attention.
We know that every moment counts, so we return calls promptly, include you in every decision, and use innovative technology to keep you up to date on your case. When you hire our firm, you’re choosing a team that truly cares about your future and will fight to protect it. Damn Right, We Fight!™ Call us today to get started during a free consultation.
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