Money Laundering Attorney in Georgetown, TX
Money laundering is a serious crime to be accused of, which can lead to steep fines, years in prison, and a lasting impact on your career opportunities. It’s common to feel scared or overwhelmed during an investigation or after an arrest. A Georgetown money laundering lawyer can advocate for you at each stage of your case and guide you through the proceedings.
About The Law Office of Lytza Rojas, PLLC
Lytza Rojas is committed to helping the people of Georgetown, Austin, Round Rock, and cities throughout Williamson County with their money laundering cases. She has over 20 years of experience working as a criminal trial lawyer, and she worked for the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office before opening her own practice. She is Board Certified in Criminal Law and works closely with the military and veterans facing criminal charges.
Overview of Money Laundering Cases in Texas
Texas has one of the highest rates in the nation for money laundering cases. In fiscal year 2024, the United States Sentencing Commission reported 1,095 individuals sentenced for money laundering. Of these cases, 181 occurred in Texas, with the Southern District of Texas ranked third in money laundering caseloads and the Eastern District of Texas ranked fourth.
The court in which your money laundering case is processed depends on the jurisdiction it falls under. State-level offenses are handled at the Williamson County Justice Center at 405 Martin Luther King Jr Street, Georgetown, TX 78626. Federal proceedings are brought south to the Austin Division of the Western District of Texas at 501 West Fifth Street, Austin, TX 78701.
Texas Money Laundering Laws
Money laundering is a white-collar crime committed when a person knowingly takes funds gained through criminal activity and attempts to obscure their origin. This includes transferring money between accounts, co-mingling unlawful assets with legitimate funds, investing, and financing ongoing unlawful actions. Charges do not require exact knowledge of illegal actions.
Money laundering penalties all carry a maximum $10,000 fine and prison time based on the case’s value. The felony levels and corresponding punishments include:
- Cases worth more than $2,500 and less than $30,000 are state jail felonies, with sentences of between 180 days and two years.
- Charges worth between $30,000 and $150,000 are third-degree felonies that carry prison terms of 2 to 10 years.
- Offenses worth $150,000 to $300,000 are second-degree felonies, with 2 to 20 years’ imprisonment.
- Any case worth over $300,000 is a first-degree felony, which carries 5 to 99 years or life in prison.
Hire a Money Laundering Lawyer
Money laundering is a serious crime to be charged with. While you may represent yourself, the potential for thousands of dollars in fines and years in prison makes it recommended that you hire a money laundering lawyer. A Georgetown money laundering attorney can advocate for you throughout the proceedings. A few ways that Lytza Rojas can aid you include:
- Advise on legal strategy. Every money laundering case requires a different approach. Lytza can examine the details of your case and create a defense that works for you.
- Review the prosecution’s argument. Your attorney can review the case against you to identify weak arguments and procedural errors. Suppressing illegal evidence or highlighting cohesive tactics by investigators may reduce or dismiss charges.
- Negotiate with the state. Skilled legal counsel can negotiate with the prosecution and the court for a plea deal that can reduce prison sentences and lower fines.
- Represent you in court. We understand how intimidating court appearances can be, and we can represent you in hearings and throughout a trial.
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FAQs
What Is the Felony Threshold for Texas Money Laundering Cases?
Individuals charged with money laundering in Texas are often confused about the threshold at which a charge becomes a felony. Under state law, the lowest felonious classification for money laundering is a state jail felony for cases valued between $2,500 and $30,000. Amounts worth less than this are typically processed using separate legal structures. Charges worth less may still be seen as state jail felonies, but they are often pursued by the state as separate offenses.
How Much Does a Money Laundering Attorney Cost in Texas?
The cost of your Texas money laundering attorney varies based on the level of charges, length of case, and total workload for the firm. Legal counsel for charges with a state jail felony value that result in an early plea bargain are typically less expensive than offenses worth millions of dollars that proceed to trial. During your free consultation, Lytza can provide a rough estimate for your legal expenses.
What Makes a Georgetown Money Laundering Case a Federal Offense?
One key distinction to understand when charged with money laundering is what can make it a federal matter. Federal jurisdiction applies when related assets cross state lines or international borders, involve federal entities, related criminal activity is already a federal case, or if the laundering affected federally insured entities, such as national banks.
Your lawyer can explain whether your case will be handled through Williamson County or the Western District of Texas.
What Is the Average Prison Sentence for Money Laundering in Texas?
The average prison sentence for money laundering cases in Texas depends on the felony level. The national average term for federal money laundering is 62 months. The exact punishment typically correlates with the value of funds involved. Cases worth several thousand dollars result in lower penalties than incidents focused on hundreds of thousands or millions. Your attorney can use your case’s unique details to provide a rough estimate for potential sentences.
Speak With a Georgetown Money Laundering Attorney Today
At The Law Office of Lytza Rojas, PLLC, we recognize the challenges and worries that come with a money laundering case. We can use our years of legal experience and knowledge to defend you and work to mitigate this incident’s impact on your life.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. During this meeting, we can learn the details of your case, weigh potential aggravating or mitigating factors, and explore your options for moving forward. You may also visit our offices in town, located on South Austin Avenue, a block south of the San Gabriel River, northeast of Williamson County Justice Center, and west of VFW Park.
