Money Laundering Defense

common.howWeDefend Money Laundering Defense — Los Angeles Cases

Money laundering charges — whether brought under California Penal Code 186.10 or federal statutes — carry severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences, massive fines, and civil asset forfeiture. These cases are built on complex financial records, bank transaction data, and multi-agency investigations that can span years. Attorney Michael P. Kade has the legal expertise and investigative background to navigate these high-stakes cases and challenge the government's evidence at every level.

Money Laundering Penalties

Penalties vary based on prior criminal history, case facts, and enhancements. This table is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

What the Government Must Prove

Under California Penal Code 186.10, the prosecution must prove that you conducted or attempted to conduct a financial transaction knowing that the money involved was the proceeds of criminal activity, and that you intended to promote that criminal activity or conceal the source of the funds. The key word is "knowing" — the government must prove you were aware the money was dirty.

Many money laundering prosecutions arise from legitimate business activities that the government mischaracterizes. Cash-intensive businesses — restaurants, car washes, retail stores — are frequently targeted. Attorney Kade examines the government's financial analysis for errors, challenges the characterization of transactions as "structured" to evade reporting requirements, and attacks the underlying predicate offense that supposedly generated the proceeds.

Asset Forfeiture Defense

Money laundering charges almost always come with civil asset forfeiture — the government's attempt to seize cash, bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, and other property it claims are connected to criminal activity. Forfeiture proceedings are civil, not criminal, which means the government's burden of proof is lower and the property can be seized even if you are never convicted.

Attorney Kade fights asset forfeiture aggressively, filing timely claims to contest seizures and challenging the government's evidence that the property is connected to criminal activity. Protecting your assets requires immediate action — deadlines to contest forfeiture are strict and unforgiving.

common.defenseStrategies

• Federal and California state money laundering charges
• Civil asset forfeiture defense
• Challenging financial evidence and transaction records
• Structuring and Bank Secrecy Act violations
• Negotiating with federal and state prosecutors
• Attacking the underlying predicate offense
• Protecting business assets and accounts