Money Laundering Lawyer in New Kent, Virginia — Federal Defense
Money laundering is a serious federal crime prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia. If you are under investigation or charged, you need a Money Laundering Lawyer New Kent Virginia with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956.
Federal Money Laundering Law
Money laundering involves concealing the origins of illegally obtained money. The primary federal statute is 18 U.S.C. § 1956, which makes it a crime to conduct a financial transaction knowing the funds are proceeds of unlawful activity, with the intent to promote further criminal activity, evade taxes, or conceal the nature of the funds. A related statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1957, prohibits engaging in monetary transactions involving criminally derived property valued over $10,000.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal money laundering statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1956 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on the local federal court where these cases are heard, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
Defending a Money Laundering Case in New Kent
Federal money laundering cases often originate from investigations by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI, or Homeland Security Investigations. These agencies use sophisticated forensic accounting. The key local procedural fact is that these cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, which has a reputation for aggressive prosecution of financial crimes. The defense must challenge the government’s proof of both the underlying “specified unlawful activity” and the defendant’s knowledge and intent.
- Initial Investigation: You may be contacted by federal agents. Do not speak to them without your criminal attorney present.
- Indictment: A federal grand jury issues an indictment. You will be arraigned in U.S. District Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your defense lawyer will review thousands of pages of financial discovery and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The vast majority of federal cases end in plea agreements. If a fair deal cannot be reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows the strict U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which mandate severe penalties for money laundering.
Potential Penalties for Money Laundering
In federal court, money laundering under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the funds involved, whichever is greater.
| Offense (U.S. Code) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Money Laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $500,000 or 2x value | Asset forfeiture, permanent felony record |
| Monetary Transaction (18 U.S.C. § 1957) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 or 2x value | Asset forfeiture, permanent felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex federal cases. Our firm-wide track includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that a Money Laundering Lawyer New Kent Virginia must be prepared to handle intensive document review and challenge federal evidence. Mr. Sris, with his background in accounting and information systems, provides a unique advantage in dissecting complex financial cases.
Case Results & Defense Approach
While specific results for money laundering in New Kent are not publicly listed, our firm’s approach to federal criminal charges defense is built on exhaustive preparation. We immediately work to secure evidence, consult financial experts, and identify weaknesses in the government’s chain of evidence regarding the funds’ origins and your knowledge. A secondary attorney on our team, Matthew Greene, brings over 30 years of experience, including former death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, adding depth to our defense strategies for serious charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Money Laundering Lawyer Near New Kent, Virginia
Our Richmond location serves clients facing federal charges in the New Kent area. We are accessible via I-64 and Route 33. We serve the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Money Laundering Defense FAQs
What is the federal money laundering statute?
The main law is 18 U.S.C. § 1956. It criminalizes financial transactions designed to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of money from illegal activities.
What agencies investigate money laundering?
It depends. The IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are all involved. They often work together in task forces to trace illicit funds.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know the money was illegal?
No. A key element the government must prove is that you knew the funds were proceeds of some form of unlawful activity. Lack of knowledge is a core defense strategy.
What are the defenses to money laundering charges?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge of the funds’ illegal origin, lack of intent to promote crime or conceal funds, entrapment, and challenging the legality of the investigation itself. A skilled criminal court lawyer will identify the best approach.
What is asset forfeiture in these cases?
The government can seize any property involved in or traceable to the money laundering offense. This includes bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, and other assets. Defense often involves fighting forfeiture actions separately.
Related Legal Help in New Kent County
If you are facing federal charges, you may need assistance in related areas. Our firm also handles Federal Criminal Defense in New Kent County. For state-level financial charges, see our New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer page. For a broader view of our federal practice, visit our Virginia Federal Criminal Lawyer hub.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
For the background behind a New Kent County charge, our page explains how Virginia federal courts handle money laundering.