San Antonio Money Laundering Attorney

Former Judges. 40 Years of Experience. Defending San Antonio Against Money Laundering Charges.

Money laundering charges carry serious consequences under both Texas and federal law, and the investigations behind them often involve substantial government resources. At Hernández Dauphin Legal, P.C., we represent individuals facing money laundering charges in San Antonio and throughout Bexar County. We offer free consultations, serve Spanish-speaking clients, and bring 40 years of combined criminal defense experience to every case we handle.

If you’re under investigation or have already been charged, don’t wait. The earlier a defense attorney is involved, the more options may be available to you.

Call Hernández Dauphin Legal, P.C. today at (210) 970-7019 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our money laundering lawyer in San Antonio.

What Is Money Laundering Under Texas Law?

Texas defines money laundering under Texas Penal Code Section 34.02 as knowingly acquiring, concealing, transferring, transporting, or facilitating a transaction involving the proceeds of criminal activity. The law doesn’t require the prosecution to prove you knew the specific underlying crime. It only requires that you knew the funds were obtained through illegal means.

Money laundering typically moves through three stages:

• Placement: Illegally obtained funds are introduced into the financial system, often through cash deposits, structured transactions, or asset purchases.
• Layering: The money passes through multiple transactions across different accounts, institutions, or even countries, creating a trail that’s difficult to follow.
• Integration: The “cleaned” funds re-enter the legitimate economy through investments, real estate purchases, or business activity.

Charges can be filed at the state level under Texas Penal Code Section 34.02 or under federal law, including 18 U.S.C. Section 1956, depending on the scope and nature of the alleged conduct. Federal charges typically involve more complex investigations and more severe sentencing exposure.

Penalties for Money Laundering in Texas

Texas structures money laundering penalties on a felony tier system tied to the dollar value of funds involved. When proceeds from one scheme or continuing course of conduct are at issue, amounts may be aggregated to determine the felony classification.

• State Jail Felony: Funds valued at $2,500 or more but less than $30,000. Punishable by 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Third-Degree Felony: Funds valued at $30,000 or more but less than $150,000. Punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison.
• Second-Degree Felony: Funds valued at $150,000 or more but less than $300,000. Punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.
• First-Degree Felony: Funds valued at $300,000 or more. Punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison.

A conviction carries consequences that extend well beyond sentencing. These can include:

• Asset Forfeiture: Law enforcement may seize bank accounts, real property, vehicles, and other assets connected to alleged money laundering activity.
• Restitution: Courts may order repayment to victims who suffered financial losses tied to the underlying criminal activity.
• Collateral Consequences: A felony conviction can damage your professional reputation, restrict future employment opportunities, and limit access to financial services and licenses.
• Federal Exposure: When federal prosecutors are involved under 18 U.S.C. Section 1956, sentencing guidelines and penalties are separate from and often more severe than state-level consequences.

Defenses Against Money Laundering Charges

A strong defense depends on the specific facts of the case, the evidence the government has gathered, and how the charges were filed. Recognized defenses include:

• Lack of Intent: Money laundering requires proof of knowing participation. If you weren’t aware the funds were derived from criminal activity, that absence of knowledge can undermine the prosecution’s case.
• Mistaken Identity: If the evidence doesn’t establish your involvement, your defense can challenge the identification through documentation, records, and witness testimony.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: Evidence obtained in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights may be inadmissible. Suppression of unlawfully obtained financial records can significantly weaken the government’s case.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Challenging the evidentiary basis of the charge, including the source and sufficiency of financial records, is central to many defenses.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you into conduct you wouldn’t have otherwise engaged in, entrapment may apply as a defense.
• Statutory Defenses Under Texas Law: Texas Penal Code Section 34.02 recognizes specific defenses, including transactions necessary to preserve a defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to legal representation, bona fide legal fees received by a licensed attorney without knowledge of their illegal origin, and conduct undertaken with intent to facilitate the lawful seizure or forfeiture of funds under state or federal law.