Money Laundering Defense in Newport News

Former Prosecutorial Insight for Money Laundering Charges

Money laundering cases often turn on what a person knew about the source of funds and why a transaction occurred. At Ehrenworth Law, PLLC, we represent people facing these allegations in Newport News, whether they’re under investigation or have already been charged.

Attorney Scott Ehrenworth served as a prosecutor in the Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office before founding our firm in 1998. Having handled thousands of cases, we understand how prosecutors evaluate evidence and build criminal allegations. We develop a personalized legal strategy around each client’s circumstances, needs, and goals.

Call (757) 663-4477 for a free consultation about a money laundering investigation or criminal charge.

Money Laundering Charges Under Virginia Law

The Virginia Comprehensive Money Laundering Act covers transactions involving property allegedly derived from criminal activity. Under Virginia Code § 18.2-246.3(A), a person may be charged with knowingly conducting a financial transaction while knowing that the property involved represents proceeds of felony activity.

The knowledge requirement is central to this offense. Prosecutors must prove more than a suspicious transaction or a connection to someone accused of a felony. They must establish that the accused knew the property represented felony proceeds when conducting the transaction.

Virginia’s definition of a financial transaction can include:

• Purchases or sales intended to conceal or disguise property
• Loans or transfers intended to conceal or disguise property
• Deposits, withdrawals, or currency exchanges intended to conceal or disguise property

A violation of Virginia Code § 18.2-246.3(A) carries a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. The consequences in a particular case depend on the charge, evidence, criminal history, and other case-specific factors. A conviction under this statute also results in forfeiture of a business license or registration required by state or local law.

Converting Cash for Another Person

Virginia Code § 18.2-246.3(B) addresses the compensated conversion of cash into negotiable instruments or electronic funds for another person when the accused knows the cash is felony proceeds. Negotiable instruments are transferable financial documents, such as certain checks or money orders.

A first violation under this subsection is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation is a Class 6 felony. These subsections differ in the alleged conduct, required proof, offense classification, and possible punishment.

Federal Money Laundering Investigations

Money laundering allegations may accompany accusations of fraud, embezzlement, drug trafficking, or tax evasion. An underlying allegation doesn’t automatically establish that a separate financial transaction was unlawful or that the person conducting it knew the funds were criminal proceeds.

Federal charges affecting Newport News are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Depending on the alleged activity, an investigation can involve the FBI, Internal Revenue Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Federal jurisdiction depends on the conduct under investigation and the statutes authorities believe apply. Investigators may examine bank records, tax filings, communications, business documents, and patterns of deposits or transfers. Because these records require context, a defense analysis may address who controlled an account, what the accused knew, whether a transaction had a legitimate purpose, and whether the evidence supports the government’s interpretation.