Money Laundering Lawyer Arlington County — Federal Financial Crime Defense
Money laundering under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 is a serious federal felony prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia, carrying up to 20 years in prison per count. As a money laundering lawyer Arlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for demanding financial crime charges. Our firm, founded in 1997, uses a case-specific approach for charges involving wire fraud, bank fraud, or structuring.
Last verified: April 2026 | Eastern District of Virginia | Virginia General Assembly
Federal Money Laundering Statute & Definition
Money laundering, defined under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, involves conducting a financial transaction with proceeds from specified unlawful activity (SUA) with the intent to promote further criminal activity, conceal the source of the funds, or avoid a transaction reporting requirement. The statute requires the government to prove you knew the funds were criminal proceeds and that you acted with specific intent. A financial crime defense lawyer Arlington County must understand the intricate layers of proof required, including tracing funds to the SUA and establishing willful intent.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal money laundering statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1956 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local court procedures, refer to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
- Initial federal investigation by the FBI, IRS-CI, or FinCEN.
- Grand jury indictment issued under 18 U.S.C. § 1956.
- Arraignment and detention hearing in U.S. District Court.
- Demanding discovery phase involving financial records.
- Pre-trial motions to challenge evidence or sever charges.
- Trial or plea negotiations focused on sentencing exposure.
Penalties for Federal Money Laundering
In Arlington County and the Eastern District of Virginia, a federal money laundering conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and fines up to $500,000 or twice the value of the laundered funds.
| Offense | 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 |
| Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering | Federal Felony | Same as underlying offense | Same as underlying offense | Joint and several liability for co-conspirators |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Experience in Federal Financial Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We focus on federal criminal defense, including demanding financial cases. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on federal matters, bringing a background in accounting and information systems that is critical for dissecting financial evidence.
Case Results & Defense Strategy
Our defense strategy for a money laundering charge lawyer Arlington County involves attacking the government’s ability to trace funds directly to specified unlawful activity and proving a lack of willful intent. We examine bank records, business documents, and communication logs to challenge the nexus between the funds and the alleged crime. Secondary attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including a former 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, contributes deep knowledge of federal court procedures and evidence standards.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location — 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 273-3033
By appointment only.
Our Arlington location serves clients at federal court and is accessible from neighborhoods including Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We offer 24/7 phone consultations for a money laundering lawyer near Arlington County.
FAQs: Money Laundering Charges in Arlington County
What is the federal definition of money laundering?
Yes. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, money laundering involves conducting a financial transaction with proceeds from criminal activity while intending to promote that activity, conceal the source, or avoid reporting requirements. The government must prove knowledge and intent.
What are common defenses to a money laundering charge?
It depends on the evidence. Common defenses include lack of knowledge that funds were criminal proceeds, absence of intent to promote or conceal, and challenging the traceability of funds to a specific unlawful activity. A financial crime defense lawyer Arlington County can evaluate the transaction chain.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know the exact source of the money?
No. The government must prove you knew the property involved in the transaction represented proceeds of some form of unlawful activity, though not necessarily the specific crime. Willful blindness can also satisfy the knowledge requirement.
What is the role of a money laundering charge lawyer Arlington County?
A money laundering charge lawyer Arlington County defends against federal accusations under 18 U.S.C. § 1956. This involves analyzing demanding financial records, filing motions to suppress evidence, negotiating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and preparing for trial in the Eastern District of Virginia.
What is the difference between money laundering and structuring?
Structuring (31 U.S.C. § 5324) involves breaking transactions to avoid reporting requirements. Money laundering involves transactions with criminal proceeds. Structuring can be a lesser-included offense or a separate charge often paired with money laundering allegations.
For more information, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, our federal criminal lawyer Alexandria can also assist. For other legal needs in Arlington County, consider our business lawyer Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.