At Edward Johnson & Associates, we have built our reputation in Chicago courtrooms by fighting relentlessly for our clients and outthinking the prosecution at every turn. Federal money laundering charges are among the most aggressively prosecuted crimes in Illinois and carry devastating penalties. Prosecutors often try to connect legitimate business activity to criminal conduct, using financial records, wire transfers, and circumstantial evidence to build their case. Our job is to dismantle those claims, piece by piece, and force the government to prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Money laundering allegations typically arise when the government believes that a person or business concealed the source of funds obtained through unlawful means. Under
18 U.S.C. § 1956 and 18 U.S.C. § 1957, federal prosecutors must prove that the accused knowingly conducted or attempted to conduct a financial transaction with proceeds from a specified unlawful activity and that the purpose was to disguise the origin of those funds. In Illinois, money laundering is also criminalized under 720 ILCS 5/29B-1, which targets transactions intended to promote or conceal criminal activity. Both state and federal laws require proof of intent, and that is where our defense begins.
Understanding How The Government Builds Its Case
The federal government often relies on massive amounts of financial data—bank records, cash deposits, wire transfers, cryptocurrency transactions, and tax returns. Agencies such as the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI, and the DEA often collaborate to trace money back to an alleged criminal enterprise. These investigations can span months or even years before charges are filed.
We know that financial data can be manipulated, misunderstood, or taken out of context. A pattern of deposits or transfers does not automatically mean that someone was laundering money. In many cases, the evidence reflects legitimate transactions, misunderstood accounting practices, or lawful business activities. Our role is to expose those weaknesses and show that what prosecutors claim is “suspicious” actually has an innocent explanation.
Strategies To Fight Federal Money Laundering Charges
Every case is different, but there are several proven defense strategies we use to protect our clients:
- Challenging Intent – Prosecutors must prove that the accused intended to disguise the source of the money. If there is no intent to conceal, there is no crime.
- Tracing Lawful Funds – We often engage forensic accountants to demonstrate that the funds in question originated from legitimate business operations.
- Attacking Illegal Searches – If investigators obtained financial records through an unlawful search or seizure, we move to suppress that evidence.
- Exposing Procedural Errors – Many federal cases are built through grand jury proceedings. If the government mishandles evidence or misleads the grand jury, we exploit those errors in court.
Our approach combines aggressive courtroom tactics with calculated strategy. We fight when prosecutors overreach, and we negotiate when it serves our clients’ best interests. That balance, force and finesse, is how we achieve results.
The Consequences Of A Federal Conviction
Convictions under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 can result in up to 20 years in federal prison, heavy fines, and forfeiture of property tied to the alleged transactions. Convictions under 18 U.S.C. § 1957 carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison. Illinois state convictions under 720 ILCS 5/29B-1 can also result in long prison terms and loss of assets.
But conviction is not inevitable. Many money laundering cases collapse under pressure when challenged by a strong, detail-driven defense. We analyze every document, question every witness, and hold the government accountable for proving what it claims to know.
Money Laundering Frequently Asked Questions
What Does The Government Have To Prove In A Money Laundering Case?
The prosecution must show that the defendant knowingly conducted a financial transaction involving money from unlawful activity, that the transaction was intended to conceal the source of the funds, and that the defendant acted with criminal intent. Without proof of intent, the government’s case is weak.
Can Someone Face Both Federal And State Money Laundering Charges In Illinois?
Yes. Prosecutors can pursue charges under both 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956-1957 and 720 ILCS 5/29B-1 if the alleged conduct violates both state and federal law. Our team is skilled at coordinating defense strategies that address both levels of prosecution.
What Are Common Defenses To Money Laundering Charges?
Some of the most effective defenses include lack of intent, insufficient evidence, lawful source of funds, and improper investigative procedures. We focus on showing that our client had no criminal intent and that the transactions were legitimate.
Are All Large Cash Deposits Considered Suspicious?
No. Many businesses and individuals make large cash transactions as part of their normal operations. The government often misinterprets these deposits as illegal activity. We provide clear evidence to demonstrate the legitimate purpose of each transaction.
Can The Government Seize My Assets Before Trial?
Yes. Prosecutors can request pretrial asset forfeiture under 18 U.S.C. § 981 if they claim the property is connected to criminal activity. We fight aggressively to challenge these seizures and protect our clients’ property rights.
How Can Hiring A Federal Defense Attorney Help?
Federal money laundering cases are complex and require a deep understanding of both financial systems and criminal law. An experienced defense attorney can challenge the government’s interpretation of financial data, file motions to suppress evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors from a position of strength.
Call Edward Johnson & Associates Today
When your freedom and reputation are on the line, you need lawyers who fight like your future depends on it—because it does. At Edward Johnson & Associates, we combine relentless defense tactics with intelligent strategy to protect our clients against the full force of the federal government.
Our law office, located in Chicago, Illinois, serves clients throughout Chicagoland. Contact our Chicago money laundering defense lawyer at Edward Johnson & Associates P.C. by calling 708-762-8666 to receive your free consultation. When you are accused of money laundering, let’s put a relentless defense team on your side.