Structuring Transactions to Evade Reporting Requirements Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Defenses?
Structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements is a serious federal offense under 31 U.S.C. § 5324, often investigated by the IRS and FBI in Bergen County. This involves breaking down large cash sums into smaller deposits to avoid the $10,000 Currency Transaction Report (CTR) threshold.
Understanding Federal Structuring Laws
The federal crime of structuring is defined under 31 U.S.C. § 5324(a)(3). It is illegal to structure or assist in structuring any transaction with one or more domestic financial institutions for the purpose of evading the reporting requirements under 31 U.S.C. § 5313(a). This law does not require proof that the underlying funds were illegally obtained; the act of intentionally avoiding the report is itself a crime.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Mr. Sris, founder of the firm, brings a former prosecutor’s insight to these contested financial cases. Founded in 1997, our firm understands how federal agencies build structuring cases, often starting with bank Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) filed in communities like Paramus or Englewood.
Official Legal Resources
For the exact federal statute, review 31 U.S.C. § 5324 (official U.S. Code). For local court procedures in Bergen County, visit the Superior Court, Bergen Vicinage website.
Local Procedure for Structuring Cases in Bergen County
Federal structuring cases originating in Bergen County are typically prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, which has a Newark location. However, investigations are local. IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) or FBI agents based in North Jersey will often conduct interviews with bank personnel in towns like Ridgewood or Teaneck. The initial evidence usually comes from bank filings. In the federal system, these cases move quickly from indictment to discovery.
- Receive Target Letter or Indictment: The process often begins with a formal target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office or a grand jury indictment.
- Initial Appearance & Arraignment: You will appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Newark to hear the charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motion Phase: Your attorney will obtain all evidence from the government, including bank records and SARs, and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases end in a plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which consider the total amount of money structured.
Potential Penalties for Structuring
In Bergen County, structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements is a federal felony carrying a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 for individuals.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structuring (31 U.S.C. § 5324) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $500,000 (individual) | Forfeiture of structured funds, permanent criminal record, loss of professional licenses. |
| Structuring + Other Financial Crime | Enhanced Felony | Potential consecutive sentences | Fines may double | Increased sentencing guideline range, mandatory minimums may apply. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Financial Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a documented history of over 4,739 case results firm-wide, our approach is grounded in direct knowledge of how the government prosecutes financial crimes. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to defending clients against federal allegations like structuring.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific results for structuring in Bergen County are not listed, our firm’s extensive background in federal and serious criminal defense informs our approach to these cases. We analyze bank records, challenge the government’s proof of “willfulness,” and explore defenses such as lack of knowledge or legitimate business purpose for the transaction pattern.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Structuring Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17, representing clients at the Bergen County Courthouse in Hackensack and in federal court.
Structuring defense lawyer Bergen County near Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “structuring” under federal law?
Yes. Structuring is the illegal act of breaking a large cash transaction into smaller amounts to avoid a bank’s mandatory Currency Transaction Report (CTR) for any transaction over $10,000. The intent to evade the reporting requirement is the key element of the crime, regardless of whether the money is from a legal source.
Can I be charged with structuring if my money is legal?
Yes. This is a critical point. Prosecutors do not need to prove the funds were illegally obtained (like drug money). You can be charged with structuring even if you earned the money legally but deliberately tried to avoid the bank’s report. The crime is in the deliberate evasion of the reporting rule itself.
What should I do if my bank files a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) on me?
Contact a cash reporting violation lawyer Bergen County immediately. Do not speak to bank investigators or federal agents without an attorney. A SAR can trigger a full-scale IRS or FBI investigation. An experienced lawyer can advise you on your rights and begin preparing a defense before any formal charges are filed.
What are common defenses to a structuring charge?
Defenses often challenge the government’s proof of “willfulness.” This can include showing a legitimate business reason for the deposit pattern, a lack of knowledge of the $10,000 reporting rule, or that the bank’s own policies or errors led to the pattern. An attorney will scrutinize all financial records and communications.
Is structuring always a federal crime?
Primarily, yes. Structuring to evade the federal Bank Secrecy Act is prosecuted in federal court. However, similar state charges related to money laundering or fraud could be filed in New Jersey state court if the activity also violates state laws. Most significant structuring cases are handled federally.
Internal Resources
For more on our federal practice, see our Bergen County federal criminal lawyer page. Learn about our firm’s approach to business law in Bergen County. For a broader view, visit our New Jersey civil litigation hub.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Structuring Transactions to Evade Lawyer Hudson County · Structuring Transactions to Evade Lawyer Monmouth County.