Charged With
Money Laundering?
Experience Matters.
State and federal money laundering charges can result in decades in prison, massive fines, and the forfeiture of everything you own. Attorney Genaro R. Cortez defends clients across San Antonio, South Texas, and in federal court against some of the most complex financial crime prosecutions.
Money Laundering Charges Threaten
Everything You’ve Built
Money laundering prosecutions are among the most complex and resource-intensive cases the federal government pursues. They frequently arise alongside drug trafficking, alien smuggling, fraud, and other charges — multiplying the potential sentences and consequences you face.
Decades in Federal Prison
Federal money laundering convictions under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 carry up to 20 years per count. When charges are stacked across multiple transactions, the cumulative sentencing exposure can be devastating — effectively a life sentence for some defendants.
Civil & Criminal Asset Forfeiture
The government can seize your bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, and business assets — before a conviction, and sometimes before charges are even filed. Forfeiture can leave you without the resources needed to mount a proper defense, making early legal intervention critical.
Charges Stacked With Other Crimes
Money laundering is rarely charged alone. It is typically layered on top of drug trafficking, alien smuggling, fraud, or conspiracy charges — each carrying its own penalties. The combined sentencing exposure can be staggering without skilled defense counsel.
Business & Professional Consequences
A money laundering conviction permanently damages your reputation, destroys professional licenses, ends business relationships, and creates tax and regulatory consequences that follow you for life — far beyond the prison term itself.
Money Laundering & Financial Crime Charges We Handle
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Transaction Money Laundering — 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1)
This charge applies when someone conducts a financial transaction knowing that the funds involved are proceeds of a specified unlawful activity — and with intent to promote that activity or conceal its origins. Each transaction can be charged separately, making exposure enormous.
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Transportation Money Laundering — 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(2)
This charge covers transporting, transmitting, or transferring funds across state or international lines — knowing the funds represent criminal proceeds. It is particularly common in South Texas border cases involving drug proceeds or alien smuggling revenue.
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Bulk Cash Smuggling — 31 U.S.C. § 5332
Knowingly concealing more than $10,000 in currency and transporting it across U.S. borders is a federal felony carrying up to 5 years in prison — and up to 10 years if the funds are connected to drug trafficking. We challenge every element of the government’s case including intent and knowledge.
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Smuggling Money in Hidden Compartments
Law enforcement frequently encounters cash hidden in vehicle compartments, luggage, or on individuals crossing the border. We scrutinize the legality of every search, the chain of custody of seized funds, and whether the government can prove the requisite knowledge and intent.
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Government Sting Operations
Federal agents regularly conduct undercover sting operations targeting money laundering — often involving informants posing as drug traffickers or criminals needing to “clean” money. Entrapment defenses, outrageous government conduct arguments, and challenging the informant’s credibility are key strategies in these cases.
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Structuring — 31 U.S.C. § 5324
Structuring involves breaking up cash transactions to avoid the $10,000 currency reporting requirement. It is a federal crime even if the underlying funds are entirely legitimate — making it a dangerous trap for business owners and individuals who are unaware of the law.
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Money Laundering Conspiracy — 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h)
You don’t have to conduct the transaction yourself to face money laundering charges. A conspiracy charge can ensnare anyone who agreed to participate — even peripherally. We examine whether the government can prove a true agreement and your knowing participation.
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Texas State Money Laundering — Tex. Pen. Code § 34.02
Texas has its own money laundering statute with penalties based on the amount of funds involved, ranging from a state jail felony to a first-degree felony for amounts over $300,000. State and federal charges can be pursued simultaneously.
Under Investigation or Already Charged?
Money laundering cases are built over time. The sooner Attorney Cortez is involved, the more options you have — including potentially intervening before charges are even filed. Call today for a free, confidential consultation.
Confidential · No obligation · Available 24/7 for emergencies
Money Laundering Penalties at a Glance
Money laundering penalties are severe at both the state and federal level. Understanding the full scope of your exposure is the first step toward building an effective defense. Please verify current penalty ranges with your attorney as statutes are subject to change.
| Offense | Classification | Prison (Max) | Fine (Max) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Money Laundering § 1956 | Federal Felony | 20 years per count | $500,000 or 2x funds | Each transaction charged separately |
| Money Laundering Conspiracy § 1956(h) | Federal Felony | 20 years | $500,000 or 2x funds | Same penalties as underlying offense |
| Bulk Cash Smuggling § 5332 | Federal Felony | 5 years (10 if drug-related) | $250,000 | Plus forfeiture of all seized funds |
| Structuring § 5324 | Federal Felony | 5 years (10 if part of pattern) | $250,000 | Funds subject to forfeiture |
| TX Money Laundering (under $30K) | State Jail Felony | 180 days – 2 years | $10,000 | Texas Pen. Code § 34.02 |
| TX Money Laundering ($30K–$150K) | 3rd Degree Felony | 2 – 10 years | $10,000 | Texas Pen. Code § 34.02 |
| TX Money Laundering ($150K–$300K) | 2nd Degree Felony | 2 – 20 years | $10,000 | Texas Pen. Code § 34.02 |
| TX Money Laundering (over $300K) | 1st Degree Felony | 5 – 99 years or life | $10,000 | Texas Pen. Code § 34.02 |
Your Defense, Step by Step
We assess the charges, the government’s evidence, and your exposure — at no cost. If you are under investigation but not yet charged, we can often intervene at this stage to protect your interests.
We examine every transaction record, search warrant, wiretap authorization, informant relationship, and piece of financial evidence — looking for constitutional violations and factual weaknesses in the government’s case.
Asset forfeiture can happen before trial. We act quickly to challenge improper seizures, protect legitimate assets, and ensure you have the resources needed to defend yourself effectively.
Whether negotiating with federal prosecutors for reduced charges, filing motions to suppress, or taking your case to trial — we fight at every stage for the best possible outcome.
Money laundering prosecutions are among the most complex cases in the federal criminal system. They involve intricate financial records, cooperating witnesses, undercover operations, and the combined resources of the FBI, DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security. Attorney Genaro R. Cortez understands how these cases are built — and how to take them apart.
From challenging the legality of financial surveillance and search warrants, to attacking the credibility of government informants, to disputing whether the government can prove the required knowledge and intent — every angle is pursued aggressively. When the federal government has been building a case against you for months, you need an attorney who hits the ground running from day one.
Money Laundering Defense FAQ
What does the government have to prove in a money laundering case? +
For federal transaction money laundering, the government must prove that you conducted or attempted a financial transaction, that the funds involved were proceeds of a specified unlawful activity, and that you knew the funds were criminal proceeds. Intent is also required — either to promote the unlawful activity or to conceal the nature or source of the funds. Attacking each of these elements is central to the defense.
Can I be charged with money laundering if I didn’t know the money was illegal? +
Knowledge is a required element of federal money laundering — the government must prove you knew the funds represented criminal proceeds. However, federal prosecutors can argue “willful blindness” — that you deliberately avoided knowing the truth. Demonstrating a genuine lack of knowledge, or that you had no reason to suspect wrongdoing, is a critical defense strategy.
What is a government sting operation and how do I fight it? +
Federal agents frequently set up undercover operations where informants pose as drug traffickers or criminals seeking to launder money. If the government induced you to commit a crime you would not otherwise have committed, an entrapment defense may be available. We also scrutinize the conduct of the informant, any promises made, and whether the government’s tactics were so outrageous they violated due process.
Can the government seize my assets before I’m convicted? +
Yes. Federal civil forfeiture law allows the government to seize assets it believes are connected to criminal activity — even before charges are filed and without a conviction. This can include bank accounts, vehicles, real estate, and cash. We can challenge improper seizures and work to recover legitimately owned assets through the forfeiture process.
What is structuring and is it really illegal? +
Yes — structuring is a federal crime under 31 U.S.C. § 5324. It occurs when someone breaks up cash transactions specifically to stay below the $10,000 currency reporting threshold. Critically, the underlying money does not have to be from illegal activity — even structuring transactions involving perfectly legitimate funds is a federal felony if done with the intent to evade reporting requirements.
What is the difference between state and federal money laundering charges? +
Texas has its own money laundering statute (Tex. Pen. Code § 34.02) with penalties based on the dollar amount involved. Federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 carry up to 20 years per count. In many cases, both state and federal prosecutors pursue charges simultaneously — each in their own court system. Having an attorney experienced in both venues is essential.
Will money laundering charges affect my immigration status? +
Yes — money laundering is considered an aggravated felony under federal immigration law. A conviction can result in deportation, permanent bars to re-entry, and denial of citizenship or legal status. Non-citizens facing money laundering charges must have an attorney who takes immigration consequences seriously from the very beginning of the case.
How long do federal money laundering investigations last? +
Federal money laundering investigations can span months or years before charges are filed. Agents may be reviewing bank records, monitoring transactions, developing informants, and building a comprehensive case long before you are aware of any investigation. If you have any reason to believe you are under investigation — including receiving a grand jury subpoena or a visit from federal agents — contact an attorney immediately.
Don’t Face Federal Money Laundering
Prosecutors Without a Fighter.
Money laundering charges can cost you your freedom, your assets, and your future. Call Attorney Genaro R. Cortez now for a free, confidential consultation — available 24/7 for emergencies.