Money laundering charges in Cincinnati, OH, are among the more complex accusations in criminal law. Whether filed under Ohio law or federal statutes, the penalties for defendants can be severe and long-lasting.
If you are under investigation or have been charged with money laundering in Cincinnati, Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers is available to provide you with the skilled defense you need.
Speaking with a defense attorney before answering questions from law enforcement can help you understand your rights and options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at (513) 333-0014 with a Cincinnati money laundering attorney.
Why Hire Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers If You’re Arrested for Money Laundering in Cincinnati, OH?
Money laundering prosecutions in Cincinnati, Ohio, are unlike many other criminal cases. Investigations may involve months of financial records, subpoenas, and asset tracing before charges are filed. Preparing a defense against that evidence requires a careful look at both the transactions and the accused’s knowledge of them.
At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, we have the experience to navigate these intricate financial investigations. We understand the nuances of federal and state money laundering laws, and our team is adept at dissecting complex financial documentation to build a robust defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
When you hire us, you get a team that offers:
- Attorneys with over 100+ of combined experience
- Team members with experience from former prosecutors and law enforcement professionals on the legal team
- Attorneys selected to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and rated by Super Lawyers
If you’ve been arrested or are being investigated for money laundering charges in Cincinnati, it is important to understand what investigators are looking for before you respond. Call us today to schedule a free, confidential case consultation with a Cincinnati criminal defense attorney.
Overview of Money Laundering in Ohio
Money laundering in Ohio is primarily governed by Ohio Revised Code § 1315.55, which prohibits several distinct types of conduct involving transactions and corrupt activity.
A person can face money laundering charges for:
- Conducting transactions using proceeds from unlawful activity: This includes certain transactions involving property known to be proceeds of unlawful activity when done to commit or further corrupt activity.
- Attempting to conceal the source of funds: The statute prohibits certain transactions involving unlawful proceeds when they are intended to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of the property.
- Structuring transactions: Ohio law also prohibits certain transactions involving proceeds of corrupt activity, including structuring covered transactions and conducting transactions intended to avoid applicable state or federal reporting requirements.
The mental state the prosecution must establish depends on the part of the statute charged. Ohio law covers conduct involving actual knowledge in some circumstances and, for certain transactions involving proceeds of corrupt activity worth more than $10,000, knowledge or reasonable cause to know the source of the proceeds.
Money laundering cases can also be prosecuted under federal law.
What Are the Penalties for Money Laundering in Cincinnati, Ohio?
A violation of Ohio Revised Code § 1315.55(A) is money laundering and a third-degree felony. If a prison sentence is imposed for a third-degree felony that falls within the ordinary sentencing range, Ohio law provides specific possible terms rather than a continuous range.
Potential penalties include:
- A prison term of 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, or 36 months
- A fine of $7,500 or twice the value of the property involved, whichever is greater
Ohio law also permits a sentencing court to impose an additional fine of three times the value of the property involved in the transaction. Federal money laundering charges are governed by different statutes and can carry different penalties.
The potential sentence will depend on the charge, the circumstances of the case, and other sentencing considerations. Our Cincinnati money laundering lawyers can assist you in understanding these complex laws and formulating a strong defense strategy.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested for Money Laundering?
Money laundering cases are often based on financial records and claims about what you knew or intended when a transaction occurred. Depending on the facts of your case and the specific provision charged, several defenses can apply.
Potential defenses include:
- Lack of knowledge: The prosecution must prove the accused had the required mental state regarding the source of property; if they cannot, they may fail to establish all elements of the offense.
- The funds were not criminal proceeds: Because many statutes require a link between the property and corrupt or unlawful activity, the defense can challenge the prosecution if they cannot establish that connection.
- Insufficient evidence: Attorneys can work with forensic accountants to find gaps, inconsistencies, or assumptions in the government’s financial evidence to challenge whether the allegations are proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Constitutional violations: Investigators must follow constitutional requirements like Fourth Amendment protections during seizures and searches; if evidence is obtained unlawfully, a defense attorney may seek to have it suppressed to weaken the prosecution’s case.
The defense available in any money laundering case depends on the evidence and the specific statutory provision involved. A Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer can evaluate which defenses are supported by the facts and law.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Cincinnati Money Laundering Attorneys Today
Money laundering cases are built on paper trails, financial records, and conclusions about what a person knew or intended. Those conclusions deserve the same scrutiny as the transactions themselves. The prosecution must prove the elements of the particular offense charged, which may involve knowledge about the source of property, the purpose behind a transaction, or an intent to conceal or avoid reporting requirements.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers represents people facing serious financial crime allegations in Cincinnati, Ohio. If you’re facing money laundering charges or have learned that you are under investigation, contact our office for a confidential consultation with a Cincinnati money laundering attorney.
