Money Laundering Charges in Florida: State and Federal Cases Explained
Money laundering allegations often come up alongside other charges, such as fraud, drug offenses, or tax matters, and they can arise from transactions that looked routine when they happened. Depending on the facts, these cases can be charged in Florida state court, federal court, or both.
This post explains in general terms how money laundering cases are generally handled under Florida law and in the federal system, at the time of this writing. Every case is different and laws change, so the best way to get answers about a specific situation is to call Attorney Ron Frey for a free and confidential consultation at (813) 775-2276 or toll-free at (844) 766-3739.
The Laws Involved
In Florida, money laundering is generally addressed under Section 896.101, Florida Statutes, Florida’s Money Laundering Act. Related reporting and structuring rules appear in nearby sections of Chapter 896. In the federal system, these cases are typically charged under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 (laundering of monetary instruments) and 18 U.S.C. § 1957 (engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity), and structuring is addressed under 31 U.S.C. § 5324. As always, laws are subject to change and revision, so contact Attorney Ron Frey to discuss the details of your case and the current status of the law.
How Florida Generally Treats Money Laundering
Under Florida law, money laundering generally involves conducting or attempting a financial transaction with money that is allegedly connected to unlawful activity, with the intent to promote that activity or to hide where the money came from, who owns it, or who controls it. Florida also has laws aimed at structuring transactions to avoid reporting requirements.
The amount of money involved generally affects how serious the charge is, and larger amounts can bring significant felony penalties. Prosecutors may also seek forfeiture of money or property they claim is connected to the alleged offense, which can affect bank accounts, vehicles, or real estate.
When Money Laundering Becomes a Federal Case
Money laundering is frequently prosecuted federally, generally when the money is alleged to come from certain specified unlawful activities, such as fraud, drug trafficking, or other federal crimes, and moves through banks or crosses state or national lines. Federal law also covers structuring cash deposits to avoid bank reporting rules, even when the money itself came from a lawful source.
Federal money laundering cases are often investigated by agencies such as the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, or Homeland Security Investigations, and they can carry significant potential penalties and forfeiture. In Tampa, federal cases are handled in the Middle District of Florida. The same conduct can sometimes be charged in state court, federal court, or both. Our page on federal offenses explains more.
How Money Laundering Investigations Often Start
These investigations often begin with a bank’s suspicious activity report, a pattern of cash deposits, or an investigation into another offense, such as fraud or drug activity. Investigators may review months or years of bank records before contacting anyone. Sometimes the first sign of trouble is a frozen account, a seizure of property, a call from a detective, a target letter, or a search warrant.
Attorney Ron Frey generally advises that anyone contacted by investigators, or whose accounts or property have been frozen or seized, speak with an attorney before making any statements. Early steps can matter both in the criminal case and in any effort to recover property.
What a Money Laundering Defense Generally Looks At
Every case turns on its own facts. In general, a defense may look at whether the money actually came from unlawful activity, whether the person knew or intended what prosecutors claim, whether the transactions have a legitimate business explanation, and how the financial evidence was gathered and analyzed. Bank records and transaction patterns can be complicated, and they don’t always mean what investigators assume.
Attorney Ron Frey has over 20 years of experience defending people in both Florida state court and federal court. He also brings a strong financial background to these cases. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a major in finance, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from John Carroll University, which helps him understand the banking records and money trails at the center of many money laundering cases.
Facing Money Laundering Allegations in Tampa? Call Attorney Ron Frey.
If you’ve been accused of money laundering, contacted by investigators, or had accounts or property frozen or seized, it’s important to get legal advice early. Attorney Ron Frey represents people facing Florida state and federal charges in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, and the Middle District of Florida. Call for a free and confidential consultation at (813) 775-2276 or toll-free at (844) 766-3739. You can also read about fraud and bribery charges in Florida or learn more about our white collar and financial crimes defense.
This post is general information at the time of this writing and is not legal advice. Laws change often, so contact an attorney about your specific situation.