Federal Money Laundering Defense: 18 U.S.C. § 1956

Federal money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 are among the most complex white-collar criminal offenses prosecuted in federal court. A conviction carries up to 20 years in federal prison per count, and the statute is frequently added to drug trafficking, fraud, and organized crime indictments.

What the Law Says

§ 1956(a)(1) covers conducting financial transactions involving proceeds of specified unlawful activity (SUA), with knowledge that the property represents proceeds of some form of unlawful activity, and with intent to promote the SUA, conceal the nature/location/source of proceeds, or avoid transaction reporting requirements.

§ 1956(a)(2) covers international money laundering—transporting monetary instruments across U.S. borders with similar intent requirements.

Penalties

Up to 20 years in federal prison per count, fines up to $500,000 or twice the amount laundered, and forfeiture of all property involved in or traceable to the offense.

Possible Defenses

Challenging Knowledge: You must have known the funds came from illegal activity.

Challenging the Predicate Offense: Money laundering requires an underlying “specified unlawful activity.”

Legitimate Business Transactions: Routine business activity, even with tainted funds, may not constitute money laundering without the required intent.

Government Overreach: Prosecutors sometimes use money laundering to pile on charges when the underlying offense is the real case.

Contact Clark + Harris

Bradley Clark defends complex federal white-collar cases including money laundering.

Call 859-474-0001 for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I contact Clark + Harris after being charged in Kentucky?

As soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and often leads to better outcomes. Call 859-474-0001 — we respond promptly to new inquiries.

Does Clark + Harris represent clients throughout Kentucky?

Yes. We represent clients in all 120 Kentucky counties, both state District and Circuit courts, and federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.

What happens during a free consultation with Clark + Harris?

We review the specific charges and evidence, discuss available defenses, explain the likely process in the relevant court, and give you a clear roadmap of next steps — at no cost to you.

Related Resources

If this information applied to your situation, the following Clark + Harris guides may also be helpful: