Money Laundering Defense Attorney in Centerville
Serious Financial Crime Allegations Require Steady Guidance—We Are Ready to Help
If you are being investigated or charged with money laundering, you already know how quickly life can feel out of control. Allegations that you moved or handled money tied to illegal activity can threaten your freedom, your finances, and your reputation in Centerville and beyond.
At Horwitz & Horwitz, we represent people facing complex criminal and financial accusations and work to bring clarity to a confusing process. Our attorneys bring nearly 53 years of combined legal experience to every case, and we handle matters personally from start to finish instead of passing them to staff.
We know that reaching out to a criminal defense firm is not easy. Our goal is to make that first conversation straightforward and respectful so you can begin to understand your situation and decide on your next steps with confidence. If you are ready to talk with someone who will listen, explain your options in plain language, and give you honest advice, we are here to help.
Your financial future and your freedom are on the line. Contact Horwitz & Horwitz today to speak with a dedicated money laundering defense lawyer in Centerville. Call (937) 828-5534 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.
Understanding Money Laundering Laws in Ohio
Money laundering in Ohio is primarily governed by Ohio Revised Code § 1315.55. Under this statute, it is illegal to conduct or attempt to conduct a financial transaction if you know the property involved is the proceeds of "corrupt activity" (often referred to as the underlying crime).
As your Centerville money laundering attorney, we focus on the specific ways the state defines this offense:
- Intent to Conceal: The law prohibits transactions designed to hide the source, ownership, or nature of illegal funds.
- Promotion of Corrupt Activity: Even if you aren't hiding the money, conducting a transaction with the intent to facilitate or promote further illegal activity is considered money laundering.
- Structuring (Smurfing): Under O.R.C. § 1315.53, it is illegal to structure transactions—such as making multiple cash deposits of $9,000 to stay under the $10,000 federal reporting threshold—if the intent is to avoid bank reporting requirements.
- Representation by Law Enforcement: In Ohio, you can be charged with money laundering even if no actual illegal money existed, provided a law enforcement officer represented to you that the funds were the proceeds of a crime during a sting operation.
In Ohio, money laundering is typically classified as a Felony of the Third Degree. However, these charges rarely stand alone. They are almost always accompanied by "predicate offenses" such as drug trafficking, embezzlement, or racketeering. Distinguishing the money laundering charge from the underlying crime is a critical part of our defense strategy.
What Sets Our Lawyers Apart?
Experience the Difference With Horwitz & Horwitz
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Over Five Decades of Combined ExperienceWith over 50 years of combined experience, Horwitz & Horwitz brings the skills to handle tough cases. Whether facing criminal charges or bankruptcy, we’ll guide you toward a brighter future.
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Reasonable Fees, Realistic Solutions
We believe in making high-quality legal representation accessible. Our firm offers reasonable fees and focuses on realistic, actionable solutions that align with your unique circumstances.
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Client-Centered ApproachAt Horwitz & Horwitz, your satisfaction is our priority. Our business thrives on referrals from happy clients, which speaks volumes about the trust and relationships we build.
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Strategic and Thoughtful Representation
Every case is unique, which is why we develop tailored strategies tailored to your specific circumstances. We work closely with you to discuss options and maintain control over the direction of your case.
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Free Consultations Available
We offer free consultations to provide clarity, answer your questions, and help you confidently take the next step.
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Personalized Representation from Start to Finish
At Horwitz & Horwitz, your case is handled directly by our experienced attorneys. From consultation to resolution, we provide dedicated support every step of the way.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Money Laundering Convictions in Ohio
The penalties for a money laundering conviction in Centerville are severe and designed to be financially ruinous. Because Horwitz & Horwitz has over 50 years of combined experience, we understand that the "sentence" begins long before you enter a courtroom.
- Prison Time: As a third-degree felony, a conviction can lead to 9 to 36 months in a state correctional facility.
- Massive Fines: In addition to standard felony fines, the court can impose an "additional fine" of three times the value of the property involved in the transaction. If the case involved $100,000, you could face a $300,000 fine.
- Asset Forfeiture: The government may seize any property, bank accounts, or businesses allegedly involved in or derived from the laundering process.
- Collateral Consequences:
- Professional Licensing: Professionals such as CPAs, real estate brokers, and attorneys will likely face permanent license revocation.
- Banking Restrictions: A conviction for a financial crime makes it nearly impossible to open bank accounts or obtain business loans in the future.
- Civil Liability: Under O.R.C. § 2307.60, victims of the underlying crime may sue you in civil court for treble (triple) damages based on your criminal conviction.
How Our Criminal Defense Team Handles Money Laundering Cases
Every money laundering case follows its own path, but there are common stages that many clients experience. Investigations may begin quietly, with document requests, subpoenas, or interviews. In other situations, an arrest or search happens first, and the person learns about the accusations in a very abrupt way. Wherever your case begins, we start by listening to your account of what has happened so far.
We then work to understand the core of the government’s theory. This often involves reviewing charging documents, affidavits, financial statements, and any reports or letters you have already received. Our attorneys consider the timelines, the transactions that are being questioned, and any explanations you have already offered. We strive to identify where misunderstandings may exist and where the evidence appears strongest or weakest.
Communication is a central part of our approach. We know that legal terms and financial jargon can make a difficult situation feel even more overwhelming. Our goal is to explain what each stage of the process means, from early court appearances to motion practice and possible negotiations. We talk through potential outcomes and what factors often influence decisions by prosecutors and judges, then revisit those conversations as new information develops.
What To Do If You Are Under Investigation for Money Laundering
Learning that you are a target or subject of a money laundering investigation can create immediate panic. The steps you take early can affect both your rights and how the case develops. While every situation is different, there are certain protective measures that many people in this position should consider.
Key steps to consider if you are under investigation:
- Avoid speaking to investigators alone. If law enforcement, regulatory agencies, or other officials want to question you, it is usually safer to talk with a lawyer before deciding what to say. Even statements you think are harmless can be misunderstood or later used against you.
- Preserve financial and electronic records. Deleting emails, texts, or account information can create problems of its own. In many cases, it is better to keep existing records intact so your attorney can review them and assess how they relate to the allegations.
- Limit conversations about the case. It can be tempting to talk with friends, co-workers, or business partners about what is happening. Casual comments, however, may be repeated or misinterpreted. Discussing details with your lawyer in a confidential setting is usually a safer path.
- Be mindful of new financial activity. Depending on the allegations, certain transactions may be scrutinized closely. Before making large transfers, selling assets, or changing account structures, it can be wise to seek legal guidance.
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer promptly. The earlier you receive tailored advice, the more options you may have. We work to help clients understand their status in an investigation, what to expect next, and how to protect their interests as events unfold.
These steps cannot change past events, but they can help you avoid making the situation worse. When you speak with us, we discuss the specific facts of your case and help you decide which precautions are most important for you.
Why Work With Our Money Laundering Lawyers
When your future is tied to complex financial allegations, you need more than surface-level criminal defense. At Horwitz & Horwitz, our attorneys draw on nearly 53 years of combined experience in criminal defense and bankruptcy, which gives us a grounded understanding of how money flows, how records are kept, and how financial decisions can be misunderstood by investigators.
We also know that trust is earned, not claimed. Our firm handles cases directly without handing them off to paralegals. When you work with us, you speak with the attorney who is actually reviewing your file, thinking about your strategy, and appearing in court with you. For a case built around bank statements, business records, and detailed timelines, that level of personal involvement matters.
Honesty is central to how we practice. We do not make promises we cannot keep or guarantee particular outcomes. Instead, we work to give you a realistic picture of the risks and possible paths forward so you can make informed choices. Many clients come to us because they want straightforward guidance, even when the news is hard to hear, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Cost is another real concern for anyone facing serious charges. Our firm is known for reasonable fees and clear conversations about costs. We understand that financial stress often increases when accounts are frozen, property is seized, or employment is at risk. We work to explain how fees are structured and what you can expect, so there are fewer surprises along the way.
Talk With Our Criminal Defense Lawyers About Money Laundering Allegations
At Horwitz & Horwitz, we bring nearly 53 years of combined legal experience, personal attorney handling of every case, and a commitment to honest, straightforward advice. We work to reduce your stress by explaining each stage of the process and staying accessible when questions arise.
If you are ready to discuss your situation in a confidential setting and learn how our money laundering attorney in Centerville can help, we invite you to reach out online or call (937) 828-5534.
