Money Laundering Defense Attorney in Gainesville, Florida

Money laundering is one of the most aggressively prosecuted financial crimes in Florida. These cases involve allegations that an individual knowingly conducted financial transactions designed to conceal, disguise, or promote proceeds derived from criminal activity. Because money laundering cases often intersect with drug trafficking, fraud, organized crime, or federal investigations, prosecutors pursue these charges with exceptional intensity.

Unlike simple theft or fraud cases, money laundering prosecutions often rely on complex financial records, bank transactions, wire transfers, digital assets, and circumstantial evidence about intent. Individuals may face charges even when they did not personally commit the underlying crime, so long as prosecutors allege they knowingly handled or moved illicit funds.

If you are being investigated or charged with money laundering in Florida, your freedom, finances, and reputation are at immediate risk. These cases demand an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands financial investigations and how to challenge the government’s assumptions.

Gainesville Money Laundering Defense Lawyer

If you have been accused of money laundering in Florida, you need to act quickly to protect your future. A conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences, massive fines, and permanent damage to your professional and personal life.

Dean Galigani of the Galigani Law Firm has years of experience defending clients in Gainesville and throughout Florida against serious felony charges. He understands how state and federal authorities build money laundering cases, how financial evidence is analyzed, and how to challenge claims of intent and knowledge.

Contact the Galigani Law Firm today at (352) 375-0812 for a free consultation if you are facing money laundering charges in Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, or surrounding areas.

Information Center

Definition of Money Laundering Under Florida Law
Common Money Laundering Allegations
Penalties for Money Laundering in Florida
Defenses to Money Laundering Charges
Role of a Florida Money Laundering Defense Attorney
Key Elements the Jury Considers
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Resources

Definition of Money Laundering Under Florida Law

Money laundering in Florida is governed primarily by Florida Statute § 896.101. The statute prohibits conducting financial transactions involving proceeds of specified unlawful activity with the intent to conceal or disguise the nature, source, location, ownership, or control of those proceeds.

Money laundering may include:

Depositing or transferring illicit funds through banks or businesses
Structuring transactions to avoid reporting requirements
Using third parties or shell entities to move money
Purchasing assets to conceal the source of funds
Promoting or facilitating further criminal activity

Importantly, prosecutors must prove that the accused knew the funds were derived from criminal activity and acted with intent to conceal or promote that activity.

Common Money Laundering Allegations

Money laundering charges often arise from allegations involving:

Large or unusual cash deposits
Structured transactions below reporting thresholds
Use of multiple bank accounts or businesses
Real estate or vehicle purchases with alleged illicit funds
Cryptocurrency or digital asset transactions
Alleged ties to drug trafficking, fraud, or organized crime
Business operations accused of being fronts for illegal activity

Many defendants are charged based on financial patterns rather than direct evidence of criminal intent.

Penalties for Money Laundering in Florida

Money laundering penalties depend on the amount of money involved and the alleged underlying criminal activity.

Third-Degree Felony: When the value of laundered funds is relatively lower, money laundering may be charged as a third-degree felony.

Potential penalties include:

Up to 5 years in Florida State Prison
Up to $5,000 in fines
Permanent felony criminal record

Second-Degree Felony: Larger amounts or aggravating circumstances may elevate the charge.

Potential penalties include:

Up to 15 years in Florida State Prison
Up to $10,000 in fines

First-Degree Felony: High-value laundering schemes or ongoing criminal enterprises may result in first-degree felony charges.

Potential penalties include:

Up to 30 years in Florida State Prison
Up to $10,000 in fines

Additional Consequences

Beyond incarceration and fines, money laundering convictions may result in:

Asset forfeiture and seizure of property
Freezing of bank accounts
Federal prosecution exposure
Loss of professional licenses
Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Severe reputational and business harm

Defenses to Money Laundering Charges

Lack of knowledge that funds were criminal proceeds: Money laundering requires proof that the defendant knew the money involved came from unlawful activity. Many individuals handle funds as part of employment, business operations, or personal transactions without knowing their source. If prosecutors cannot prove actual knowledge beyond a reasonable doubt, the charge cannot stand.
No intent to conceal or promote criminal activity: Legitimate financial transactions do not become money laundering simply because they involve large sums or unusual patterns. The state must prove the transaction was conducted with the specific intent to hide the source of funds or promote further criminal conduct. Ordinary business practices, poor recordkeeping, or aggressive financial behavior alone are not enough.
Lawful source of funds: Demonstrating that money came from legitimate income, loans, gifts, or business revenue can undermine the prosecution’s theory. Financial records, tax filings, contracts, and witness testimony often establish lawful origins. When the underlying funds are legal, money laundering charges must fail.
Insufficient or circumstantial financial evidence: Money laundering cases often rely on patterns and inferences rather than direct proof. Gaps in transaction records, missing documentation, or alternative explanations for financial behavior can create reasonable doubt. Prosecutors must connect the defendant’s actions to criminal intent, not speculation.
Unlawful searches, seizures, or subpoenas: Financial investigations frequently involve broad subpoenas and digital searches. If law enforcement exceeded legal authority, relied on defective warrants, or violated privacy rights, key evidence may be suppressed. Without admissible financial records, the case may collapse.
Overcharging or improper aggregation of transactions: Prosecutors sometimes combine multiple transactions to inflate the severity of charges. Defense counsel may challenge whether aggregation is legally permitted or supported by the evidence. Reducing the alleged amount can significantly lower sentencing exposure.

Role of a Florida Money Laundering Defense Attorney

Conducting a detailed financial analysis: A defense attorney thoroughly reviews bank statements, wire transfers, ledgers, cryptocurrency records, and business documents. This analysis often reveals lawful explanations for transactions prosecutors claim are suspicious. Financial clarity is critical to dismantling the state’s narrative.
Challenging intent and knowledge allegations: Money laundering cases frequently hinge on circumstantial evidence of intent. Defense counsel focuses on what the defendant actually knew and intended at the time of the transactions. Without proof of criminal intent, the prosecution’s case is legally insufficient.
Scrutinizing warrants, subpoenas, and investigative methods: Attorneys examine whether law enforcement followed proper procedures when obtaining financial records. Overbroad subpoenas, invalid warrants, or unconstitutional searches can lead to suppression of critical evidence. This step is often decisive in complex financial cases.
Defending against asset forfeiture: Money laundering cases commonly involve seizure of bank accounts, vehicles, or property. A defense attorney challenges forfeiture actions and works to recover seized assets. Protecting a client’s financial stability is a core part of the defense.
Negotiating charge reductions or dismissals: When evidentiary weaknesses exist, counsel may negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges, limit forfeiture, or seek dismissal. Many cases resolve favorably once financial assumptions are challenged. Strategic negotiation can avoid prison exposure altogether.
Trial representation in complex financial cases: If the case proceeds to trial, defense counsel challenges expert testimony, financial interpretations, and speculative inferences. Jurors must understand complex financial concepts, and clear defense presentation is essential. Skilled trial advocacy can create reasonable doubt where prosecutors rely on confusion or assumption.

Key Elements the Jury Considers

To convict, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:

The defendant conducted or attempted a financial transaction
The funds were proceeds of specified unlawful activity
The defendant knew the funds were illicit
The transaction was intended to conceal, disguise, or promote criminal activity

Failure to prove any element requires acquittal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be charged if I didn’t commit the underlying crime?
Yes. Prosecutors may pursue money laundering charges even if the defendant did not commit the original offense.

Are cash transactions automatically illegal?
No. Cash use alone is not illegal. The state must prove criminal intent.

Can money laundering charges be federal?
Yes. Many cases involve parallel state and federal investigations.

Should I speak to investigators if contacted?
You should consult a criminal defense attorney before making any statements.

Additional Resources

Florida Statute § 896.101 – Florida Money Laundering Act -This statute defines money laundering offenses and outlines penalty structures in Florida.

Florida Bureau of Financial Investigation – Provides general information on how financial crimes are investigated in Florida.

U.S. Department of Justice – Money Laundering Overview – Offers a federal perspective on money laundering investigations and enforcement.

Finding a Money Laundering Defense Attorney in Gainesville, Florida

Money laundering charges carry some of the harshest penalties in financial crime prosecutions and are often built on complex, technical evidence. Early legal intervention is essential.

Dean Galigani of the Galigani Law Firm represents individuals charged with money laundering throughout Gainesville, Alachua County, Ocala, Lake City, and surrounding areas of Florida.

If you are under investigation or facing money laundering charges, contact the Galigani Law Firm today at (352) 375-0812 for a free consultation and immediate legal guidance.