Money laundering charges

Money laundering is when you process money gained by illegal means so that it appears to come from a legitimate source. To be found guilty of money laundering, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that –

• You knew the money had come from illegal activity AND
• Your intention was to make the money appear legitimate

Money laundering is considered a serious offence in Canada and has attracted much media attention in recent years. British Columbia has introduced new policies to clamp down on money laundering. This is likely to result in more prosecutions. If Often, money laundering charges are prosecuted alongside other charges, such as tax evasion, fraud and the possession of proceeds of crime.

You can be charged with money laundering even if you were processing the money on behalf of another individual or organization. The question is whether you knew, had the requisite knowledge, that the money had come from illegal sources. If so, you could be convicted.

Money laundering penalties

Money laundering can either be dealt with as a summary offence or an indictable offence. If you are charged with money laundering, Crown Counsel decides which route to take.

If the matter proceeds on a summary basis, the maximum penalty for money laundering is Six months in prison, and/or $5,000 fine.

If the matter proceeds by indictment, the maximum penalty for money laundering is 10 years imprisonment.

Vancouver Criminal Lawyer

If you are currently being investigated for money laundering, or you have already been arrested, please contact us at Mickelson & Whysall Law Corporation. Obtaining legal advice at the earliest opportunity is essential.

We can determine the best approach in your particular case. This might involve putting forward a defence to prove your innocence or challenging whether the evidence was lawfully obtained against you. Any evidence that is determined by the Judge to be unlawfully obtained by the police may be excluded at trial and can result in an acquittal of all the charges.

If a guilty verdict is likely, we can enter a plea bargain or explain the mitigating circumstances that led you this situation.

We highly recommend that you have a lawyer on your side. The potential penalties for money laundering are high, especially if Crown Counsel decides to charge you with an indictable offence.

If you have been arrested and charged with money laundering, contact us now.