Being charged with money laundering in Houston can have serious legal and personal consequences. Money laundering involves financial transactions designed to hide or disguise the source of illicit funds, and even seemingly minor actions can carry severe penalties. Understanding the details of these charges and how they apply to your situation is the first step toward protecting your future.
Defending against money laundering allegations requires a precise and strategic approach. At Xavier Law Firm, we dive deep into financial records, uncover inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence, and craft a defense tailored to the specifics of your situation.
Our experience allows us to challenge assumptions, question intent, and seek outcomes that can limit the impact on your life and reputation. Contact Xavier Law Firm today for a free consultation and take proactive steps toward safeguarding your future and minimizing the effects of these allegations.
What is Money Laundering in Texas?
Money laundering charges in Houston are prosecuted both under Texas Penal Code §34.02 and, in some cases, federal law. Prosecutors must prove not only that funds were derived from criminal activity, but also that the accused knowingly conducted certain transactions with an intent to conceal the source or ownership of the funds.
For example, Texas courts have clarified that routine business deposits are not enough to convict. There must be evidence of intent to obscure the origin or control of proceeds. Xavier Law Firm’s criminal defense lawyers have successfully obtained dismissals where evidence did not show this intentional concealment, often by leveraging banking records showing legitimate business activity.
If assets have been seized, Texas law requires that a notice of forfeiture be filed within a specific timeframe (often 30 days). Our attorneys file a motion for return of property, contesting the state’s evidence and demanding a prompt hearing to present proof of lawful ownership. In several recent cases, swift intervention has resulted in real estate and accounts being returned before trial.
Texas Money Laundering Penalties
The penalties for money laundering in Texas depend on the value of the funds laundered. For example:
-If the amount laundered is between $2,500 and $30,000, it is a State Jail Felony. This is punishable by up to 2 years in state jail and a fine up to $10,000.
-If the amount laundered is $30,000 to $150,000, it is a Third-Degree Felony. This is punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
-If the amount laundered is $150,000 to less than $300,000, it is a Second-Degree Felony. This is punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
-If the amount laundered is over $300,000, it is a First-Degree Felony. This is punishable by 5 to 99 years (or life) in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
In all cases, a conviction will result in a permanent criminal record.
Additional Consequences Beyond Legal Penalties
-Employment challenges, especially in finance, law, or government positions.
-Possible suspension or loss of professional licenses.
-Asset forfeiture, including bank accounts, vehicles, and real estate.
-Long-term reputational and personal impacts, including relationship strain and custody challenges.
-Immigration consequences for non-citizens include potential deportation or denial of citizenship.
Defenses Against Money Laundering Charges
A skilled criminal defense attorney can develop a comprehensive defense to protect your rights and challenge money laundering allegations at every stage of the process. These cases often hinge on complex financial records and questions of intent, making it essential to have a lawyer who can carefully analyze the evidence and identify opportunities to reduce or dismiss charges. The goal is not only to challenge the allegations effectively but also to minimize their impact on your personal and professional life.
Common strategies your attorney may use include:
-Lack of intent: Demonstrating that you did not knowingly attempt to conceal or disguise the source of funds, which is a critical element of money laundering.
-Lawful transactions: Showing that the transactions in question were legitimate, routine business dealings, or otherwise unrelated to criminal activity.
-Errors or inconsistencies in evidence: Reviewing financial records, bank statements, and other documentation for mistakes that may undermine the prosecution’s case.
-Procedural defenses: Identifying technical or procedural errors, such as improper searches, violations of rights, or mishandled evidence, that could weaken or dismiss the case.
How Our Money Laundering Attorneys Help Recover Illegally Seized Assets
When you face money laundering charges, law enforcement may seize assets believed to be connected to criminal activity. Even if you have not been convicted, these seizures can have an immediate impact on your life, business, or property. Once assets are seized, recovering them can be a stressful and time-sensitive process that requires legal action.
At Xavier Law Firm, our experienced money laundering attorneys work to challenge unlawful seizures and help you recover assets that were taken without proper legal justification. We carefully examine the circumstances of the seizure, identify violations of your rights, and take the necessary legal steps to recover property, funds, or accounts. By acting quickly, we aim to restore what was taken while holding authorities accountable for any overreach.
Contact Our Money Laundering Defense Lawyers Today
If you’re facing money laundering charges or have had assets seized, it’s important to act quickly and have an experienced legal team on your side. Money laundering cases involve complex financial transactions and serious legal consequences, and improperly seized assets can disrupt your life even before a conviction.
Our attorneys guide you through every stage of the process by explaining your options clearly. We focus on recovering property that was taken improperly, challenging evidence that may be flawed, and minimizing the impact these charges can have on your personal and professional life. Contact Xavier Law Firm today for a free consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your assets, defending your rights, and securing your future.
