Money laundering charges can ruin your career, reputation, and future. Protect yourself with a strong defense from day one.

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Money Laundering Attorney Houston

Money laundering is a highly scrutinized financial crime in both Texas and federal courts. Under Texas Penal Code §34.02 and federal law (18 U.S.C. §§1956–1957), it involves knowingly concealing or disguising the origin of funds from illegal activities such as drug trafficking, fraud, or tax evasion. Convictions can result in up to 20 years in prison, fines reaching $500,000 or twice the transaction value, and permanent asset forfeiture. At Juan L. Guerra Jr. & Associates, our Houston money laundering defense attorneys provide aggressive, strategic representation, protecting clients’ freedom, finances, and reputations during investigations, indictments, and trials.

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What to Do After a Money Laundering Charge in Houston

Facing money laundering charges in Houston is a serious legal matter with potential federal and state consequences, including heavy fines, asset forfeiture, and lengthy prison sentences. Acting quickly is essential to protect your rights, finances, and future:

Contact a Lawyer Immediately

A Houston financial crimes attorney can begin investigating the source of allegations, preserving records, and developing a strong defense strategy.

Do Not Speak to Law Enforcement Without Counsel

Anything you say can be used against you. Let your attorney handle all communications with investigators or prosecutors.

Preserve Financial Records and Evidence

Provide your money laundering defense attorney with bank statements, transaction records, contracts, and any documents that could support your defense.

Understand the Severity of Your Charges

Learn whether you’re facing state-level money laundering under Texas Penal Code §34.02 or federal charges under 18 U.S.C. §§1956–1957, and the potential penalties.

Follow Your Lawyer’s Guidance Closely

Attend all court appearances, comply with bail or asset restrictions, and avoid any actions that could complicate your case.

When Money Laundering Becomes Federal vs. State Offenses

Money laundering may be charged at either the state or federal level, depending on the scale of the offense and the financial systems involved. Federal cases typically carry steeper penalties and broader investigative power.

In Texas, money laundering is often tied to the local drug trade, fraud, or cash-based businesses. These cases are prosecuted under the state penal code and can still carry severe consequences.

Cases involving banks, wire transfers, or international transactions almost always fall under federal jurisdiction. Agencies such as the FBI, IRS, and DEA investigate these offenses, which can lead to asset forfeiture, heavy fines, and long prison sentences.

Types of Money Laundering Charges in Texas and Federal Courts

Money laundering cases vary depending on the method used to conceal illegal funds, the scale of the operation, and whether the case is handled at the state or federal level. Common types include:

Introducing illicit funds into the financial system, such as depositing cash from drug sales or criminal activity into bank accounts or businesses.

Moving money through multiple transactions to hide its source, including wire transfers, shell companies, offshore accounts, or complex financial instruments.

Using “cleaned” money in legitimate investments, business ventures, real estate, or luxury purchases to make it appear lawful.

Breaking large sums of money into smaller deposits or transactions to avoid reporting requirements and detection by authorities.

Using businesses, including fake invoices, accounting manipulations, or front companies, to disguise the origin of illicit funds.

Transferring funds across borders through foreign banks or trade-based methods, often involving federal jurisdiction and cooperation with international law enforcement.

Charges often overlap with tax evasion, fraud, drug trafficking, or other criminal enterprises where illicit funds are processed to appear legitimate.

Understanding Money Laundering Charges in Texas and Federal Courts

Money laundering is a serious financial crime under both Texas and federal law, carrying severe penalties even if the underlying illegal activity is only alleged. In Texas, under Penal Code §34.02, money laundering occurs when someone knowingly conducts financial transactions to conceal or disguise the origin of money derived from criminal activity. Federal laws are broader, applying to cases involving drug trafficking, fraud, tax evasion, and organized crime. Successfully defending against these charges requires an experienced Houston money laundering attorney who understands how prosecutors build cases and how to challenge the evidence.

Involves knowingly conducting transactions to hide the source of illegally obtained funds; federal law often applies even if the crime is not completed.

Authorities rely on bank records, suspicious activity reports, wire transfers, and undercover operations to track illicit funds.

Knowledge of the illicit source, intent to conceal, and participation in financial transactions are essential to prove the crime.

Skilled attorneys can challenge record accuracy, question the intent, and examine procedural errors to protect clients.

Texas and federal courts differ in penalties, evidentiary standards, and investigative approaches, making specialized legal guidance essential.

Penalties for Money Laundering in Texas and Federal Courts

Being charged with money laundering carries severe penalties:

Texas Penalties

Considered a serious felony, punishable by:
- Prison terms from 2 years up to 99 years or life for major cases.
- Fines ranging from $10,000–$100,000 or more.
- Asset forfeiture, including property, vehicles, or bank accounts linked to criminal proceeds.

Federal Penalties – One of the most serious white-collar crimes, punishable by:
- Up to 20 years in federal prison.
- Million-dollar fines or twice the value of laundered funds.
- Restitution orders, requiring repayment of alleged illicit gains.

Collateral Consequences
Even without prison time, a conviction can have serious long-term effects:
- - Reputation Damage – Financial crime convictions can permanently harm personal and professional credibility.
  - Career Destruction – Individuals may be barred from finance, law, medicine, government, or other trusted roles.

Frozen Bank Accounts – Investigations may freeze or seize funds, leaving families and businesses financially vulnerable.
Travel Restrictions – Convicted individuals often face difficulties traveling internationally.
Professional Licensing Issues – Licensed professionals risk losing the ability to practice in their fields.

Deadline for Filing Money Laundering Cases in Houston

In Texas, the statute of limitations for money laundering depends on whether the case is state or federal and the severity of the alleged offense:

Typically, two years from the date of the offense under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 12.01.

Generally, three years from the date of the offense.

Often, have no statute of limitations for serious crimes, including large-scale fraud, organized crime, or drug-related laundering.

What to Expect After a Money Laundering Arrest in Houston

Being charged with money laundering can be overwhelming, but understanding the process helps protect your rights and finances:

Authorities may seize bank records, execute search warrants, and question you regarding alleged illicit transactions.

You will be fingerprinted, photographed, and entered into the criminal database.

Charges are formally read, and bail or bond may be set depending on the severity of the case.

A Houston money laundering attorney examines financial records, suspicious activity reports, and procedural compliance to challenge the prosecution’s case.

Your lawyer may raise issues such as unlawful searches, seizure errors, or Miranda violations to safeguard your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there bail for money laundering charges in Houston?

Bail may be granted depending on the severity of the offense, the amount of funds involved, and the flight risk. For federal cases, bail is often more restrictive or denied.

Can money laundering charges be reduced?

In some instances, prosecutors may reduce charges if the defendant’s involvement was minor, evidence is weak, or cooperation is provided.

What is the difference between state and federal money laundering?

State cases involve violations under Texas Penal Code §34.02, while federal cases under 18 U.S.C. §§1956–1957 often carry harsher penalties, larger fines, and more extensive investigations.

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JLG Law and Associates will contact you for a Free Legal Consultation

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Consult an Experienced Money Laundering Lawyer in Houston

Being accused of money laundering in Houston can carry severe legal consequences, including substantial fines, asset forfeiture, and lengthy prison sentences. Without experienced legal representation, you risk facing these penalties without a strong defense. At Juan L. Guerra, Jr. & Associates, we thoroughly investigate the allegations, review financial records, trace transactions, and work to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to protect your rights.

We provide a free, confidential consultation to evaluate your money laundering case and explain your options. Whether it involves domestic or international financial transactions, our team develops a tailored defense strategy. From negotiating with prosecutors to defending you in court, our mission is to safeguard your assets, minimize penalties, and provide a skilled Houston money laundering lawyer to guide you through every stage of the legal process.

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Call or fill out our online form today to get a free and confidential consultation. At Juan L. Guerra, Jr. & Associates, every client is treated like family—and every case is handled with fierce dedication.

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