This post is being written as the first in a series of articles addressing the topic of money laundering charges in Peoria, Illinois. I consider this an important discussion to have as money laundering laws can be complicated and difficult to understand. Many individuals facing charges do not know what to expect for their case or what to do first. The first step is to contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss the specific circumstances and charges. The goal of my coming articles is to provide information which will help people to better understand their situation and legal options. It is also my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of counsel. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a criminal defense lawyer.
I will be addressing a number of topics over my coming articles. Issues which I will be analyzing include the following:
- What constitutes “money laundering”
- Is money laundering a misdemeanor or a felony in Illinois?
- The potential penalties for a conviction
- How search and seizure issues impact such cases
- Handling federal charges
- The need to retain an experienced attorney
I am addressing these particular topics for multiple reasons. First, many people or businesses may not realize how money laundering works or that it can affect anyone, even in smaller scale situations. Second, it is a common misconception that money laundering could be a misdemeanor in Illinois. Illinois law classifies it as a felony as it is a serious criminal offense with significant penalties attached. Third, depending on the class of the criminal charge, the potential penalties for a conviction range from prison time of four to thirty years and fines of up to $500,000. Additional penalties or fines could be added if the offense involved other charges. Fourth, these cases can be significantly impacted by search and seizure issues because of how evidence is gathered and used. Law enforcement must follow constitutional guidelines and other laws to ensure evidence is admissible in Court. Additionally, federal charges differ from state charges in several ways. Individuals facing such criminal charges will need to select an attorney who is licensed to handle federal criminal cases. Finally, these types of cases are often complex and those being charged benefit greatly from the help of a lawyer. An attorney can explain what is happening, can help to protect an individual’s constitutional rights, can prepare filings, and more.
An important point I will be making throughout this series is that one should immediately contact an attorney upon receiving criminal charges for money laundering. Avoiding contact with any alleged victims is also critical. I am a former prosecutor and I devote my practice to assisting the accused. I strongly believe that each person is entitled to aggressive representation and respect. I am also licensed to handle criminal cases in Federal Court. Contact my office online or by phone today to speak with a Peoria criminal defense attorney. I will conduct an investigation, file any necessary Motions with the Court, and protect your rights throughout the process. We also serve clients in Bloomington, Decatur, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington and the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford. Additional areas where we handle federal cases include Benton, Chicago, East St. Louis, Springfield, and Urbana.