Milwaukee Money Laundering Attorney

What is Money Laundering?

Money laundering is a serious crime that carries severe consequences in Wisconsin. It involves disguising the origin of money or assets that were obtained illegally in order to make it appear as if these assets were earned legally. Money laundering can be prosecuted as a state or federal offense. Those who are accused of money laundering will need to make sure they have representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the complexities of these cases.

At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in criminal laws at the state and federal level, white collar crimes, and other financial offenses that may affect criminal cases in Wisconsin. If you have been accused of money laundering or other related offenses, we will work diligently to ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process and strive for favorable outcomes on your behalf. Regardless of the accusations against you or the potential criminal charges you may face, our lawyers will provide the aggressive advocacy you deserve.

Wisconsin Money Laundering Laws

Money laundering is an offense that is often charged alongside other crimes. For example, a person who is accused of drug crimes related to the distribution or trafficking of controlled substances may also be accused of taking actions to make it appear as if money obtained from the sale of illegal drugs was earned through a legitimate business. Money laundering charges may also accompany charges of fraud or other white collar crimes.

Under Wisconsin law, a person may face money laundering charges if they obtain anything of value that they knew was derived from unlawful activity. Even if a person did not directly commit the alleged offense, they may face criminal charges if they receive or transfer money that was obtained illegally, if they buy or sell goods that they knew were stolen, or if they knowingly engage in transactions that are meant to disguise the source, nature, or ownership of the proceeds of criminal activity.

The specific charges a person accused of money laundering will face will be based on the amount of the transaction or transactions that the person was involved in. These charges are as follows:

• Proceeds of less than $2,500 - Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to nine months imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000
• Proceeds of $2,500 to $5,000 - Class I felony, punishable by up to three years and six months imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000
• Proceeds of $5,000 to $10,000 - Class H felony, punishable by up to six years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000
• Proceeds of $10,000 to $100,000 - Class G felony, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $25,000
• Proceeds of more than $100,000 - Class F felony, punishable by up to 12 years and six months imprisonment and a maximum fine of $25,000

Federal Money Laundering Charges

In some cases, a person may face federal charges for money laundering. These cases will usually involve other crimes charged at the federal level, such as drug trafficking or fraud that allegedly affected victims in multiple states. A person who is convicted of a federal money laundering offense may be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and fined either $500,000 or double the value of the money or assets involved in a case, whichever is greater.

Contact Our Milwaukee Money Laundering Defense Lawyers

At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand the complexities of money laundering cases. We can provide you with the legal guidance needed to protect your rights, no matter how serious the charges may be. Our team has represented clients in multiple types of state and federal criminal cases, and we are prepared to advocate on your behalf to help you secure a favorable outcome. If you have been accused of money laundering or other related offenses, contact us today at 414-271-1440 to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help.