
Maryland Money Laundering Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Money laundering is a serious federal and state felony in Maryland, carrying severe penalties under Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-111 and 18 U.S.C. § 1956. If you are under investigation or charged, you need a Maryland money laundering lawyer with federal and state court experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for complex financial crimes.
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Money laundering in Maryland is prosecuted under both state and federal statutes. The state law, Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-111, makes it illegal to knowingly conduct a financial transaction involving the proceeds of criminal activity with the intent to promote further criminal activity or to conceal the nature, source, or ownership of the funds. This often involves complex financial transactions, making the role of a skilled criminal attorney critical.
Last verified: April 2026 — V13.4 expansion | Maryland District & Circuit Courts (statewide) | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has a background in accounting and information systems that provides a distinct advantage in dissecting complex financial evidence often central to money laundering cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Maryland’s money laundering statute, refer to Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-111 (official Maryland General Assembly site). For federal law, see 18 U.S.C. § 1956 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). The Maryland Courts website provides information on court procedures and locations.
Defending Against Money Laundering Charges in Maryland
Successfully defending against money laundering charges requires a defense lawyer who understands both the financial intricacies and the procedural rules of Maryland courts. A common local procedural fact is that these cases often originate from investigations by joint federal-state task forces, skilled to charges in both jurisdictions. This requires a defense strategy coordinated between state and federal courts.
- Initial Investigation & Arrest: Charges may follow a lengthy investigation by agencies like the IRS, FBI, or Maryland State Police. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
- Initial Appearance & Bail Hearing: You will appear before a District Court commissioner for bail determination. A criminal court lawyer can argue for favorable release conditions.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence and compel the prosecution to share all evidence, including financial records and reports.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Based on the strength of the evidence, your lawyer will advise on whether to negotiate a plea or proceed to trial before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing: If convicted, your attorney will advocate for the most lenient sentence possible, presenting mitigating factors to the court.
Potential Penalties for Money Laundering in Maryland
In Maryland, a money laundering conviction can result in decades of imprisonment, massive fines, and asset forfeiture, depending on whether the case is prosecuted at the state or federal level.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Money Laundering (Md. Code § 3-111) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $100,000 or value of funds laundered | Asset forfeiture, restitution |
| Federal Money Laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years per count | Up to $500,000 or 2x value of funds laundered | Mandatory asset forfeiture, supervised release |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Money Laundering Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have a documented track record of handling complex financial crimes. Our founder, Mr. Sris, has a background in accounting and information systems, providing a unique lens through which to analyze financial evidence. We approach each case with a collaborative strategy, ensuring every client benefits from our collective experience.
Primary Attorney for Maryland Criminal Defense
Kristen M. Fisher, Former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney. Ms. Fisher joined the firm in 2010 and focuses her practice on criminal defense in Maryland and Virginia courts. She is admitted to practice in Maryland and Virginia and uses her prior prosecution experience to build strong defenses for clients facing serious charges.
Our Approach to Money Laundering Cases
Our firm-wide experience includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. While every case is unique, our systematic approach involves early case assessment, aggressive discovery, and challenging the prosecution’s evidence on both procedural and substantive grounds. For money laundering charges, this often means working with forensic accountants to counter the government’s financial analysis. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring a multi-layered defense.
Contact Our Maryland Money Laundering Defense Lawyers
Our Rockville location serves Southern Maryland and surrounding communities. We are accessible for clients throughout the region. If you need a money laundering lawyer near Maryland, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
15245 Shady Grove Road, Suite 465
Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4084
By appointment only.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions (Maryland Money Laundering)
Do I need a criminal lawyer for money laundering charges in Maryland?
Yes. Money laundering charges in Maryland are complex felonies with severe penalties. An experienced criminal lawyer is essential to handle the financial evidence and build a defense. SRIS, P.C. offers consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
How much does a money laundering defense lawyer cost in Maryland?
Attorney fees for money laundering cases vary based on the case’s complexity, whether it is state or federal, and the estimated time to trial. During a consultation, we will discuss our fee structure and available payment plans to fit your situation.
What should I look for in a money laundering defense lawyer?
Look for a defense lawyer with specific experience in financial crimes, knowledge of both state and federal law, and a track record in court. Experience with forensic accounting and challenging complex evidence is crucial for these cases.
What are the possible defenses to money laundering charges?
It depends. Common defenses include lack of knowledge that the funds were proceeds of crime, lack of intent to promote illegal activity or conceal the funds, entrapment, or challenging the legality of the investigation that uncovered the evidence.
Can I be charged with both state and federal money laundering?
Yes. Due to dual sovereignty, you can face separate charges in Maryland state court and U.S. federal court for the same underlying conduct. This requires a defense strategy coordinated by attorneys experienced in both court systems.
What happens if I am convicted of money laundering in Maryland?
A conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence, fines often double the value of the laundered funds, mandatory asset forfeiture, and a permanent felony record that affects employment, housing, and professional licenses.