Money Laundering Defense in Summerville
Former Prosecutors Guiding Your Money Laundering Defense
Money laundering allegations raise two distinct questions: where the money allegedly came from and what you knew or intended when handling it. We examine the transactions, communications, accounts, and alleged underlying activity to determine which state or federal theory the government is pursuing.
Investigators may request an interview, serve a subpoena, execute a search warrant, or seek financial records before filing charges. Responding without understanding the nature and scope of the request can affect the investigation.
If you’re under investigation, have received a subpoena or target letter, or face a money laundering charge, call (843) 891-6100 before you respond.
Defense Informed by Former Prosecutors
Money laundering allegations can threaten your liberty, finances, business interests, employment, and professional standing. They may also lead to regulatory, civil, or professional licensing proceedings arising from the same alleged conduct.
Our attorneys are former prosecutors who understand how the state develops criminal cases and evaluates evidence. At TMW Law, we draw on more than four decades of collective legal experience to develop a strategy tailored to the allegations while keeping you informed and involved in important decisions.
South Carolina & Federal Money Laundering Laws
Money laundering charges don’t arise under one universal statute. The applicable law depends on the alleged source of the funds, the transaction’s type and value, its claimed purpose, and any interstate or international connection.
South Carolina Drug-Related Allegations
South Carolina Code § 44-53-475 addresses certain financial transactions, transfers, and monetary instruments involving proceeds connected to narcotic drugs or controlled substances. Depending on the allegations, prosecutors may claim that a transaction promoted unlawful activity or was intended to conceal the source, ownership, location, or control of the proceeds.
Federal Money Laundering Charges
Federal law encompasses broader theories. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, allegations may involve promoting specified unlawful activity, concealing criminal proceeds, avoiding reporting requirements, making international transfers, or conducting transactions involving property represented as unlawful proceeds. Specified unlawful activity refers to an offense Congress has identified as capable of supporting a federal laundering charge.
Under 18 U.S.C. § 1957, the government may allege that someone knowingly engaged in a monetary transaction involving more than $10,000 in criminally derived property from specified unlawful activity. The statute charged affects the required proof, potential penalties, available defenses, and possible asset forfeiture.
Evidence That Can Shape a Money Laundering Case
A defense review should test whether the government can connect the property to qualifying unlawful activity and prove the knowledge, intent, and transaction elements of the charged statute. An unusual transfer, cash transaction, or complex business arrangement isn’t automatically proof of money laundering.
Relevant evidence may include:
- Bank statements, deposits, withdrawals, wires, and account transfers
- Business ledgers, invoices, contracts, and payment records
- Emails, text messages, and other electronic communications
- Tax documents and records identifying legitimate sources of funds
- Search-warrant affidavits, subpoena requests, and interview records
- Witness accounts concerning the purpose and structure of transactions
We examine how investigators gathered the evidence, including whether they overreached during searches or interviews. We also consider alternative explanations supported by the records and distinguish claims about the source of the money from claims about the purpose, structure, or reporting treatment of a transaction.
How to Respond to Subpoenas, Searches, & Investigators
Don’t meet with law enforcement or respond to a subpoena before consulting our white-collar crime attorneys. A request may be voluntary, compelled, administrative, or connected to grand jury proceedings. Understanding that distinction is essential before deciding how to respond.
Early representation can give us time to review the request, preserve relevant records, gather context, and communicate with investigators when appropriate. Don’t delete documents or discuss the allegations unnecessarily while counsel evaluates the situation.
State and federal proceedings can involve different courts, agencies, procedures, and charging theories. An investigation may also create licensing, regulatory, employment, business, or civil concerns, so the response should account for more than the immediate request for documents or testimony.
Money Laundering Defense in & Around Summerville
From our Summerville office, we represent clients throughout Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, including Charleston and North Charleston. Venue may depend on where the relevant transaction, account, business, investigation, or alleged underlying offense is connected.
A local matter may proceed in state court, federal court, or related forums. Before recommending the next step, we identify the authorities involved, the applicable legal framework, and the immediate decisions the client faces.
