Lake Charles Money Laundering Lawyer
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Qualified Money Laundering Attorney in Lake Charles, LA
Money laundering is a serious offense under Louisiana law. You can expect to face serious consequences for money laundering, whether you’re charged at the state or federal level. Regardless, it’s wise to secure legal representation from a Lake Charles money laundering lawyer who has experience navigating cases like yours.
For over 25 years, Louisianans throughout Calcasieu Parish and surrounding areas have been turning to Stockstill Defense Firm to help them through complex criminal charges. Our Lake Charles white collar crime lawyers bring over two and a half decades of criminal defense experience to the table, and we’re ready to put it to work for you.
Money Laundering Cases in Louisiana
The charges for money laundering in Louisiana can vary depending on the amount of money involved. You can expect to face the following consequences for money laundering under Louisiana law:
Up to six months in prison and/or fines up to $1,000 if the value is less than $3,000.
Two to 10 years in prison with or without hard labor and fines up to $10,000 if the value is more than $3,000 and less than $20,000.
Two to 20 years in prison at hard labor and fines up to $20,000 if the value is more than $20,000 and less than $100,000.
Two to 50 years in prison at hard labor and up to $50,000 in fines if the value is $100,000 or more.
In 2024, money laundering accounted for 1.9 percent of criminal convictions in Louisiana. Money laundering crimes can occur anywhere. Recently, five former Louisiana public officials pleaded guilty to fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit fraud after being accused of running an illegal scheme since 2015.
Crimes like these can impact individuals and businesses alike. In some cases, state or local governments can also be at risk. For this reason, money laundering crimes are prosecuted harshly under Louisiana law. If you’re accused of money laundering, it’s wise to secure legal representation from a local Lake Charles criminal defense lawyer.
Local Lake Charles Criminal Defense Lawyers You Can Trust
Lake Charles is home to over 81,000 people and is known for its culture, casinos, and tourism. Unfortunately, the lively nature of the city also lends itself to all types of criminal acts, too. If you’re facing charges for any type of crime, including white-collar crimes like money laundering, it’s wise to hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent you and protect your rights throughout the case.
Stockstill Defense Firm has spent over 25 years helping our clients with complex criminal cases, including those involving money laundering charges. Over the years, we’ve earned the trust and respect of our clients as well as our peers. We are members of the:
Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of LA
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Our team is also rated by Super Lawyers®.** You can count on us to advocate for you in and out of the courtroom. We know how to handle cases through the 14th Judicial District Court at the state level and the Lake Charles Division of the United States District Court for federal cases.
FAQs
Is Money Laundering a Misdemeanor or Felony Under Louisiana Law?
Money laundering can be a misdemeanor or felony under Louisiana law. It’s known as a “wobbler” crime because the level of charge ultimately depends on the severity of the crime and the value of the losses suffered by the victim.
You can be charged with a misdemeanor for money laundering up to a certain amount. Over a set limit, the charge becomes a felony instead. It may be possible to have a felony reduced.
What Is the Difference Between Money Laundering and Embezzlement in Louisiana?
The difference between money laundering and embezzlement in Louisiana is when and how funds are used illegally. Money laundering refers to using funds that were already illegally obtained for another purpose. It’s classified as a fraud crime.
Embezzlement, on the other hand, involves using funds that you may have the right to access for illegal purposes. It is classified as a theft crime.
How Do I Defend Against Money Laundering Charges in Lake Charles?
How you defend against money laundering charges in Lake Charles depends on the nature of the charges against you. It’s wise to hire a money laundering lawyer to help with your defense strategy. Common defense strategies in a money laundering case include:
Alibi
Coercion or duress
Entrapment
Lack of intent
Lack of knowledge
Legitimate source
It’s important that you’re able to challenge the prosecution’s ability to prove intent and knowledge.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Money Laundering Lawyer in Lake Charles?
The cost to hire a money laundering lawyer in Lake Charles can vary from case to case. You can typically expect to pay a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a retainer fee for a criminal defense lawyer based on the complexity of your case and the attorney’s level of experience.
It’s critical that you do your research and talk to lawyers prior to committing to your legal representation. That way, you can be sure you choose the right partner.
Hire a Lake Charles, LA Money Laundering Lawyer to Help With Your Defense Strategy
If you’re facing charges for a white-collar crime, it’s imperative that you understand your options for forming a defense. A local Lake Charles money laundering attorney can help. Our lawyers at Stockstill Defense Firm have decades of experience handling white-collar crime cases, and we’re ready to advocate for you.
If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, our Lake Charles criminal defense lawyers are here to help. Visit us at our office in Lake Charles to talk to a member of our team about your situation. You can find us on Chavanne Street near I-210 and I-10. We also have another office in Lafayette. Contact the office to schedule a consultation with our team today.
**Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
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