Money Laundering Lawyer Bergen County — Federal Defense
Money laundering is a serious federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. A conviction can lead to decades in prison, massive fines, and asset forfeiture. If you are under investigation or charged, you need a money laundering lawyer Bergen County with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Federal Money Laundering Law in New Jersey
Money laundering involves concealing the origins of illegally obtained money, typically by transferring it through legitimate businesses. The primary federal statute is 18 U.S.C. § 1956. The law makes it a crime to conduct a financial transaction with proceeds from certain unlawful activities, knowing the funds are from illegal sources, and with the intent to promote further criminal activity, evade taxes, or conceal the nature of the funds. Cases are investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, IRS, or Homeland Security and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal money laundering statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1956 (official U.S. Code). For local federal court procedures, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
handling a Federal Money Laundering Case in Bergen County
A federal money laundering charge in Bergen County initiates a demanding process. The investigation often begins long before an arrest, with subpoenas, search warrants, and grand jury proceedings. If you are a target, securing a financial crime defense lawyer Bergen County early is critical. In the Newark or Camden federal court, prosecutors must prove you knew the money was from illegal activity and intended to disguise its source.
- Initial Investigation: You may receive a target letter or subpoena. Do not speak to agents without your attorney present.
- Grand Jury & Indictment: The case is presented to a federal grand jury. If indicted, you will be arraigned in U.S. District Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence and file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors occurred.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases end in a plea agreement. If not, your case proceeds to a jury trial where the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which can mandate severe penalties.
Potential Penalties for Money Laundering
In federal court, a money laundering charge under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 carries up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the laundered funds.
| Offense Level | 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 of funds | Asset forfeiture, restitution, felony record |
| Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering | Federal Felony | Same as underlying offense | Same as underlying offense | Same as above |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Money Laundering Charge
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to federal defense. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, providing a distinct advantage in dissecting financial evidence. We approach every money laundering charge lawyer Bergen County case with a detailed strategy focused on challenging the government’s evidence of knowledge and intent.
Case Results & Approach
While specific results are confidential, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. We actively defend clients in federal courts. For a money laundering charge, we meticulously analyze financial transactions, communication records, and the government’s investigation methods to identify weaknesses. We work to negotiate favorable resolutions or prepare a vigorous defense for trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Money Laundering Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Bergen County. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. We provide a money laundering lawyer near Hackensack, Fort Lee, Paramus, and surrounding communities including Teaneck, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
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.
Money Laundering Defense FAQs
What is the federal money laundering statute?
It is 18 U.S.C. § 1956. This law prohibits conducting financial transactions with money known to be from illegal activity, with the intent to promote crime, evade taxes, or conceal the funds’ source.
What agencies investigate money laundering in NJ?
The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are common investigating agencies for money laundering charges in New Jersey.
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 involved were the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity. A financial crime defense lawyer Bergen County can challenge the evidence of this knowledge.
What is the difference between money laundering and structuring?
Structuring (31 U.S.C. § 5324) involves breaking up cash deposits to avoid bank reporting requirements. Money laundering involves disguising the illegal origin of funds. They are often charged together.
What should I do if I am contacted by federal agents?
Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with your attorney. Promptly contact a money laundering charge lawyer Bergen County. Do not attempt to explain or justify any transactions.
Related Legal Services in Bergen County
If you are facing related charges, our firm also provides defense for: Federal Criminal Defense in Bergen County, Business Law, and Civil Litigation. For other practice areas, see our New Jersey Criminal Defense hub page or pages for Atlantic County and Camden County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on money laundering charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Federal charges are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark, Trenton and Camden), not in county court; related state charges 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 Title 18 of the United States Code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. 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 · Money Laundering Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Money Laundering Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.