Money laundering is a serious offense with severe legal consequences, including hefty fines and prison sentences. An experienced San Juan money laundering defense lawyer will challenge the prosecution’s evidence and build a strong defense strategy.
DMR Law has been empowering people like you since 2019. Our team has nearly 60 years of combined legal experience handling a wide range of cases. You can trust our San Juan criminal defense lawyers to always represent your best interests. Call today to schedule a confidential consultation.
Bilingual Money Laundering Defense Attorneys in San Juan
Our attorneys in San Juan provide skilled legal representation with a personal touch. Our team’s multicultural backgrounds and fluency in multiple languages set us apart, allowing us to better understand and connect with clients from diverse backgrounds.
This insight helps us build strong defenses tailored to each client’s unique situation. Whether facing federal or local money laundering charges, we will compassionately guide you through the legal process.
For a free legal consultation call (305) 548-8666
What is Money Laundering?
Money laundering is the process of hiding the origin of money gained from illegal activities, making it appear as if it came from a legal source. This is often done by moving money through businesses, banks, or international transactions to disguise its true origin.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, FBI, and IRS, actively investigate money laundering cases, particularly those linked to drug trafficking, fraud, and organized crime.
The island follows both local statutes and U.S. federal laws, as Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. If accused, seek legal representation from experienced San Juan money laundering defense attorneys to protect your rights.
Puerto Rico Money Laundering Laws
Puerto Rico’s money laundering laws are designed to prevent and punish the concealment of illegally obtained money. Under P.R. Laws tit. 33, § 4856, it is a third-degree felony to knowingly handle money or property that comes from illegal activities.
P.R. Laws tit. 33, § 4856 applies to two main actions:
- Converting or transferring illegal money or property: If someone knows that money or goods come from a crime and they try to move or change them to hide their illegal source, they are committing a crime.
- Hiding information about illegal money or property: If someone tries to cover up where money or property came from, where it is, or who owns it (knowing it is tied to illegal activity), they are breaking the law.
Federal Money Laundering Laws
As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico follows federal money laundering laws, primarily under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and the Patriot Act, which both criminalize financial transactions involving proceeds from illegal activities.
The BSA requires banks and financial institutions to implement Anti-Money Laundering (AML) programs, verify customers, monitor transactions, and report suspicious activities. It helps in criminal, tax, and counter-terrorism investigations.
The Patriot Act was passed after the 9/11 attacks. This law strengthens the BSA by expanding law enforcement powers to track, investigate, and prevent terrorism-related financial crimes. It allows for surveillance, access to business records, and better coordination between agencies to detect threats.
San Juan Money Laundering Defense Lawyer Near Me (305) 548-8666
The Penalties for Money Laundering
If convicted of money laundering, the court can seize the money or property involved in the crime. The value of these assets is then transferred to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, which helps support victims of crime.
Possible penalties under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986 include:
- Criminal penalties: Up to 20 years in federal prison for knowingly engaging in money laundering
- Fines: Up to $500,000 or twice the amount of money laundered, whichever is greater
- Forfeiture: Seizure of assets linked to money laundering, including bank accounts, real estate, and business holdings
- Additional penalties under the Patriot Act: Enhanced enforcement for terrorism-related financial crimes, with increased prison time and stricter monitoring of financial institutions
The penalties you receive depend on the unique details of your case. Our San Juan money laundering defense attorneys will review your charges and determine what penalties you may be facing. At DMR Law, we clearly explain your legal situation so you can make informed decisions about your case.
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Strong Legal Defense Strategies in a Money Laundering Case
Facing money laundering charges can be overwhelming, but a strong legal defense can make a significant difference. Prosecutors must prove that you knowingly engaged in illegal financial transactions, which provides opportunities to challenge their case.
Effective legal defense strategies for money laundering charges include:
- Challenging the sufficiency of evidence
- Proving lack of knowledge or intent
- Arguing unlawful search and seizure
- Demonstrating lawful sources of funds
- Disputing the chain of custody of evidence
- Negotiating plea deals for reduced charges
- Contesting the applicability of certain laws
- Highlighting procedural errors in investigations
If you’re facing money laundering charges, our experienced legal team is here to help. We will carefully review the details of your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and explore all possible defenses to have the charges dismissed.
If a dismissal isn’t possible, we will work to reduce the penalties you face. This may involve negotiating for a plea deal, challenging evidence in court, or arguing for a lesser sentence based on mitigating factors.
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Call Our Money Laundering Defense Lawyers in San Juan Today
If you’ve been charged with money laundering in San Juan, get the professional legal help you need. Call DMR Law today to schedule a consultation. We understand the seriousness of these charges and will protect your rights.
Our team will review your case, explain your legal options, and create a personalized defense strategy to help reduce or dismiss the charges. Call now to ensure you have strong legal representation throughout the process.
Call or text (305) 548-8666 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form