Atlanta Money Laundering Defense Attorney

Money laundering occurs when funds from illegal activities are funneled through legitimate businesses and banks to hide the source of the money before it is reacquired. Money laundering is an illegal offense that is subject to severe punishments. When you need an Atlanta money laundering defense attorney, you can partner with a team that has a proven track record of success.

At Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC, we provide top-tier defense strategies for clients arrested for money laundering. Our team faithfully represents our clients from the outset and is prepared to go to trial to resolve your case. If you are facing allegations of laundering money in Georgia, it is in your best interest to hire Atlanta white-collar criminal defense lawyers immediately.

atlanta money laundering defense attorney

Unmatched defense from seasoned trial lawyers and former federal prosecutors

Our team comprises experienced trial lawyers who handle federal cases and get results for our clients. We understand that many of our clients are at risk, and we provide them with aggressive defense strategies to mitigate the charges they face. Our team is dedicated to our clients and does not back down.

Former federal prosecutors lead our firm, and their experience provides a unique perspective and advantage when representing our clients in federal cases. This allows us to anticipate and better understand the prosecution’s strategies to build a strong and thorough defense for them. Our team has our client’s best interests at heart and provides exceptional service from start to finish.

You have rights after being arrested for money laundering

Right to remain silent – You have the right to remain silent after an arrest and wait for your legal representative to speak for you. It may feel counterintuitive not to defend yourself, but law enforcement can use your words against you. Even a simple comment can affect the outcome of your case. Seek the counsel of your lawyer before providing any information.
Right to hire a lawyer– You have the right to seek legal representation. They will ensure your rights are protected and will negotiate on your behalf. You should not speak to law enforcement until your lawyer is in the room with you. They have extensive experience and relationships with law enforcement and know how to navigate the process and combat the prosecution’s arguments.
Right to challenge evidence – You have the right to challenge the legitimacy of evidence if you have reason to believe it is inaccurate or gathered illegally. Violations of the Fourth Amendment and improper handling of evidence are just some ways you can challenge the evidence against you. Successful challenges can result in the reduction or dismissal of all or some of your charges,
Right to defend yourself – You have the right to defend yourself from the evidence and arguments presented by the prosecution. Some common defenses include entrapment, claiming no knowledge of illegal funds, claiming funds came from a legitimate source, duress, and more. You are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Protecting your future: Aggressive defense against money laundering charges in Georgia

The United States Sentencing Commission established that 1,132 individuals were sentenced for money laundering during the most recently reported fiscal year, and it accounted for a $554,353 median loss. Among those cases, 90.6% of offenders received a prison sentence with an average sentence of 71 months. The northern district of Georgia ranked number four nationally for money laundering.

With such high statistics and steep punishments, you need the firm of Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC to aggressively defend you against charges and arguments by the prosecution. Our firm does not back down from defending clients who need it the most. Money laundering cases are often high-profile and require litigation, as the prosecution must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crimes they face. As such, a lawyer will create a solid defense strategy and challenge evidence to get charges dropped for clients.

Recognition for Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC

Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC is committed to helping our clients through an uncertain time and defending them when they have been accused of money laundering. Our client results testify to the hard work and experience our team provides. We have been honored to be featured in:

  • Super Lawyers
  • Best Lawyers
  • State Bar of Georgia
  • Chambers and Partners
  • Georgia Trend Daily

Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC provides a tailored defense strategy for every client

Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC will defend you regardless of what the prosecution presents. A money laundering defense lawyer in Atlanta will gather evidence that will support your defense and review and fight the prosecution’s evidence. During your case, they will work diligently to prevent charges from being filed against you, negotiate plea bargains when necessary, fight for you during litigation, and even strive to get all of your charges dismissed.

We defend your rights against the serious impact of money laundering charges

Money laundering is a pervasive crime that can significantly impact businesses and economies. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the amount of money laundering ranges annually from $800 billion to $2 trillion and constitutes approximately 2-5% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). With this substantial impact on the world’s economic health, officials are understandably committed to bringing lawbreakers to justice.

The process of laundering money happens in three main phases, which include:

  • Placement: Operators transfer illegally gained money into legitimate financial institutions and businesses to distance the money from its criminal origin.
  • Layering: The schemers attempt to hide the money trail by using small transactions, shell companies, false invoices, offshore accounts, and other activities.
  • Integration: By reacquiring the funds through their network of collaborators, the launderers make purchases and investments with the money that appears to come from legitimate sources.

Money laundering aims to hide the real source of funds and create a false trail so transactions look valid and do not raise suspicion. Laundered money can be sourced from drugs, weapons, trafficking, and more and can be used to further those endeavors or even finance terrorist organizations. Although it is possible to be involved in money laundering operations without your knowledge, you will still need an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your innocence and secure your freedom.

Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC is here to defend you

While Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC may be a boutique law firm, our team does not play small when representing clients charged with money laundering. We take advantage of vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s arguments and use them to create a solid, sharp, and effective defense. Our extensive experience gives you the best chance at a favorable outcome.

Schedule a free consultation when you contact our office today. We will answer your questions, discuss strategies and options, and prepare you for litigation. Rest assured that you are in good hands with our team.

Frequently asked questions about money laundering cases

Is money laundering a victimless crime?

While money laundering may not always be as violent as some types of criminal activity, it is not a victimless crime. Laundered money often originates from illegal and fraudulent activity, and deceptive practices are used to scramble the source and path of the money. Once it is “clean,” the funds may be used for illegal activities again.

Contrary to common white-collar crime myths, these crimes are often associated with stringent punishments that include extensive prison time. Some sentences may even involve serving time in maximum-security facilities.

What should I expect during the investigative process?

During an investigation into allegations of money laundering, your background and activities are thorough researched and closely examined. This pre-sentence investigation is then compiled into a report to provide a judge with information about you and your case. The judge will use this information to influence and determine a conviction and sentence.

Your lawyer and the prosecution may work together to compile the report before it is given to the judge. Information in the report may include:

  • The nature of your offense
  • Relevant information about your case
  • Existence or absence of a prior arrests or criminal history
  • Drug or alcohol use
  • Employment history
  • Family history
  • Financial situation

What defenses will my lawyer use in my case?

Your lawyer will use various techniques to reduce or dismiss your charges, tailored to your specific circumstances. They can challenge various aspects of the prosecution’s argument, evidence, and law enforcement processes. Some common defenses for money laundering include:

  • Failure by law enforcement to conduct a lawful search or seizure
  • Lack of evidence
  • Entrapment
  • No knowledge about illegally sourced money
  • No intention to commit a crime
  • Expired statute of limitations

What kind of sentence can I face if I am convicted of money laundering in Georgia?

According to Georgia Code § 7-1-915, an individual convicted of money laundering can face up to 20 years in prison. They may also have to pay fines up to $500,000 or double the amount of the alleged transaction, whichever is higher.

Your criminal defense attorney will work to reduce the amount of prison time or fines you could potentially face. They will challenge evidence and provide a strong defense during your trial so that they can mitigate the impact on your life. It is important to let your lawyer handle all negotiations to get the best outcome possible.

Is there a statute of limitations on money laundering claims?

According to Internal Revenue Service § 9.5.5.2(5), money laundering crimes are subject to a five-year statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is estimated from the time the offense reaches completion. After the statute of limitations expires, no further charges can be brought for that offense.

Resources for those charged with money laundering

Legal resources