Miami Money Laundering & Racketeering Attorneys

What is Money Laundering?

According to federal statute 18 U.S.C. §1956, money laundering is an illegal activity defined as taking the proceeds of criminal activity and using financial transactions to disguise or hide the illegally obtained money in order to make the money appear legal.

Money laundering is both a federal and a state crime. In Florida, money laundering is governed by Florida Statute § 896.101. Under Florida state law, money laundering requires that a person knows that the source of the money is illegal and conducts, or attempts to, conduct a financial transaction involving this money.

The majority of complex money laundering cases are addressed in federal court, rather than state court, because federal investigators and prosecutors typically have more time and resources to devote to these cases than their state counterparts do. Additionally, increased penalties and mandatory minimum sentences are far more likely to be imposed in federal court than in state court.

Both federal and state law require some type of knowledge or intent on the part of the people involved in the alleged criminal act, but this area of the law is very complex, so it is essential to be represented by an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

The attorneys at Jeffrey S. Weiner, P.A. have over 50 years of experience representing individuals accused of money laundering, racketeering, and related crimes in both state and federal court.

What Other Crimes Can I Be Charged With?

Money laundering used to be a criminal offense that was more commonly associated with organized crime operations. Today, however, money laundering is often related to white-collar criminal activities, including racketeering, public corruption, embezzlement, structuring, and organized fraud. Because money laundering involves using financial transactions to disguise or hide illegally obtained money, it often involves funds obtained through: Drug crimes, fraud, embezzlement, theft, or bribery. If you are facing money laundering charges, it is likely that you are also the subject of additional criminal charges that could subject you to harsh punishment.

What Is Racketeering?

Racketeering refers to the act of acquiring a business operation through illegal activity, operating a business with illegally derived income, or using a business operation to commit illegal acts.

Federal crimes of racketeering include bribery, various fraud offenses, insider trading, gambling offenses, cyber extortion, money laundering, a number of financial and economic crimes, smuggling weapons, counterfeiting, obstructing justice or a criminal investigation, murder for hire, and sexual exploitation of children.

At the state level, racketeering includes crimes such as murder, kidnapping, gambling, arson, robbery, bribery, extortion, dealing in obscene matter, and drug crimes.

What Is RICO?

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) was developed specifically to address the activities of the Mafia and other organized criminal organizations or enterprises. It has since been redefined into a broad tool for law enforcement against organizations, including legitimate businesses.

A seemingly innocent business or personal transaction can potentially result in:

• Serious felony criminal charges
• Loss of your reputation, home, or business
• Time in federal prison
• Substantial fines

Facing felony charges in a United States District Court involving money laundering or racketeering (RICO) allegations is not the same as facing charges in state court. There are very different rules of procedure in federal court that require a trial lawyer admitted to practice in federal court with knowledge of the system to negotiate or try a case to a satisfactory conclusion. The attorneys at Jeffrey S. Weiner, P.A., offer a deep understanding of the intricacies of criminal litigation in both federal and state courts.

Nos Enorgullece Servir A La Comunidad Latina

In many cases, money laundering and racketeering allegations involve interstate and offshore interests, requiring an attorney able to represent you in other states or other countries. We have represented clients in every state throughout the United States and in countries all over the world including, but not limited to, England, Russia, Spain, Panama, Guyana, Paraguay, Brazil, Italy, Colombia, and South Africa.

Additionally, Attorney Jeffrey S. Weiner maintains a multi-lingual staff and professional forensic interpreters for Spanish-speaking clients. We proudly represent the Hispanic community and are able to communicate effectively in Spanish while working with local counsel in Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Spain, Venezuela, and all of Latin America.

If you are facing money laundering or racketeering charges, call our attorneys at (305) 985-6640.