Texas Money Laundering Lawyer in Brownsville

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Money laundering is considered a white-collar crime listed in both state and federal laws. Under Texas law, the crime of laundering money is prosecuted under Penal Code Section 34.02. The term “money laundering” is best described as the illegal process of making large amounts of money generated by a criminal activity. If a person knowingly concealed, invested, or spent money that was gathered in an illegal way, they committed money laundering.

The act of money laundering usually involves transfers from foreign banks or legitimate businesses. Facing charges can be stressful and that is why it’s important to seek legal representation. At The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. , our money laundering attorneys strongly believe that everyone deserves to have their rights protected. We are passionate about defense, and we will do everything in our power to help you. Contact us today.

Texas White Collar Crime Attorney in Brownsville

If you or a family member is facing possible money laundering charges, best thing to do is to contact a money laundering attorney who will aggressively defend you in court. Your livelihood can be jeopardized without notice if you are found guilty. Allow our criminal defense attorneys at The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. to protect your rights. We represent clients in Brownsville, Texas and surrounding counties including Willacy County, Cameron County and Hidalgo County.

The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. is ready to take your call. Call 956-504-2211 to reach one of our attorneys at The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. and obtain a complimentary consultation. During the free consultation, you can learn more about the charge pending against you, ways to avoid the typical penalties, and the best defenses to fight the charges.

What is Money Laundering in Texas?

A person commits a money laundering offense if he or she knowingly does any of the following:

Acquires or maintains an interest in, conceals, possesses, transfers, or transports the proceeds of criminal activity;
Conducts, supervises, or facilitates a transaction involving the proceeds of criminal activity;
(invests, expends, or receives, or offers to invest, expend, or receive, the proceeds of Criminal activity or funds that the person believes are the proceeds of criminal activity; or
Finances or invests or intends to finance or invest funds that the person believes are intended to further the commission of criminal activity.

Under Texas Penal Code Sec. 34.02, the term “criminal activity” is defined as any offense that is classified as a felony under Texas laws or the U.S. It is also defined as any offense that is punishable by confinement for more than one year under the laws of another state.

“Funds” include coin or paper money of the U.S. or any other country that is designated as legal tender. The term “funds” can also refer to U.S. silver certificates, United States Treasury notes, and Federal Reserve System notes, an official foreign bank note, electronic funds, personal checks, bank checks, money orders or a certificate of stock.

Money Laundering Charges in Texas

The penalties for a money laundering conviction could have a devastating impact on your life. Money laundering charges in Texas are based on the value of the funds involved. Those penalties include the following:

$2,500 or more but less than $30,000 — State jail felony punishable by up to two years in state jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000;
$30,000 or more but less than $150,000 — Third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000;
$150,000 or more but less than $300,000 — Second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000; or
$300,000 or more — First-degree felony punishable by up to life or 99 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

While these penalties are severe, it is important to remember that there is no guarantee a jury will convict you. Do not feel defeated. It is possible to have a skilled lawyer eliminate your money laundering charges.

Additional White Collar Crimes in Texas

Money laundering is a complex area of law, which requires an experienced Brownsville money laundering attorney to create a strategic defense on your behalf. The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. carries over a decade of experience representing individuals convicted of white-collar crimes. Although money laundering is one of the most common offenses in the state of Texas, our attorneys also deal with other white-collar cases such as identity theft and insurance fraud.

Identity theft: Identity theft is a crime that involves stealing another person’s identity without their permission. Information that is often stolen includes name, social security number, credit or debit card information.
Insurance Fraud: Insurance fraud occurs when an individual misrepresents a fact or lies in order to receive a financial gain under an insurance policy.

Additional Resources

FBI – Visit the official Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) page to learn more about white collar crimes. The webpage lists the most prevalent types of securities and commodities fraud schemes such as investment fraud, commodities fraud, and broker embezzlement. It also defines money laundering, lists the crimes money laundering is associated with, and lists ways through which criminals launder their illicit proceeds.

Texas Penal Code 34.01 – The Texas Penal Code 34.01 describes the process of money laundering. Visit the webpage to learn more about its penalties and to see how certain terms (e.g. criminal activity, funds) are defined.

Money Laundering Defense Lawyers in Brownsville, TX

Money laundering charges receive heavy prosecution as stated in the Texas Penal Code. If you have been accused of money laundering, The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. will take the time to go over your rights and options regarding your case. It is important to take action now and reach out to one of our attorneys.

Call our office today at 956-504-2211 to schedule a free and confidential consultation. White collar crime attorney Jonathan Gracia defends clients charged with money laundering offenses in Cameron County, Hidalgo County and Willacy County, Texas. We also represent surrounding communities in Houston, San Benito, and Harlingen, TX.