Three Defense Strategies for Money Laundering Charges in Texas 

 Posted on October 03, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Money laundering charges can carry severe, life-altering consequences, especially if you are convicted of the offense. Penalties for a conviction can include steep fines and lengthy prison sentences. However, every defendant has the right to a fair trial and the opportunity to mount a strong and robust defense. If you are facing money laundering charges in Texas, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney immediately. Your experienced attorney will examine the particulars of your case and will work to develop defense strategies that give you the best chance possible to pursue a positive case outcome. Money laundering charges are often prosecuted as federal crimes, which makes obtaining a lawyer to fight the charges even more essential.

Here are Three Strategies to Fight Money Laundering Charges

1. Lack of knowledge or intent – One of the most common defense strategies against money laundering charges is to argue that the defendant lacked knowledge or intent. To prove money laundering, the prosecution must establish that the defendant knowingly engaged in financial transactions involving illicitly obtained funds to conceal their true origin. By demonstrating that the defendant was unaware of the illegal source of the funds or had no intention to engage in money laundering, the defense can weaken the prosecution’s case significantly. Evidence like the defendant’s lack of financial knowledge, limited involvement in financial matters, or evidence of innocence can be presented to support this defense. 

2. Insufficient evidence of predicate offense – Another defense strategy is to challenge the prosecution’s evidence regarding the underlying crime or “predicate offense” that generated the funds in question. Money laundering charges usually require the presence of a prior criminal activity that generated the illicit funds. The defense can weaken the prosecution’s case by casting doubt on the existence or proof of the predicate offense. Challenging the credibility of witnesses, technical flaws in the investigation, or flaws in the chain of custody of evidence can all be effective tactics when raising this defense.

3. Procedural defenses – Lastly, defendants can employ procedural defenses to challenge the investigation’s legitimacy, arrest, or evidence collection. This strategy involves scrutinizing law enforcement’s conduct to ensure they adhere to legal protocols and respond to the defendant’s constitutional rights. Common procedural defenses include challenging the validity of search warrants, asserting the defense of entrapment or illegal surveillance, or arguing that the evidence was obtained through coercion or violation of Miranda rights. Any procedural errors can lead to the exclusion of evidence or even dismissal of the charges. 

Contact an Austin, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer 

For criminal defense lawyers you can trust, contact the skilled Midland Texas criminal defense attorneys with Morales Law Office, Attorneys at Law, PLLC.. Call 512-474-2222 for a free consultation.