Available 24/7
Free Consultation
Long Island Money Laundering Lawyer
Long Island Money Laundering Attorney
A Long Island money laundering lawyer from The Vitaliano Law Firm may be critical if you are accused of a state or federal financial crime. Prosecutors bring money laundering charges when they believe funds from illegal activity were concealed, moved, or structured to appear legitimate.
These cases are complex, often connected to drug trafficking, fraud, or organized crime, and they carry harsh penalties including long prison terms, asset forfeiture, and lasting financial consequences. Evidence may involve bank records, wire transfers, or electronic communications.
At The Vitaliano Law Firm, we understand how stressful these allegations can be and provide knowledgeable, strategic representation designed to protect your rights, assets, and reputation.
Hire a Money Laundering Lawyer
At The Vitaliano Law Firm, Attorney Michael E. Vitaliano combines prosecutorial experience with a deep understanding of financial crime defense. As a former New York City prosecutor, he has handled complex cases involving fraud, narcotics, and organized crime, giving him unique insight into how money laundering cases are built.
Known for his meticulous review of financial records and strategic courtroom advocacy, Vitaliano has earned trust for delivering focused, effective defense in both state and federal courts.
Understanding Money Laundering Laws In New York And Federal Court
Money laundering is a crime in both New York law (Penal Law Article 470) and in federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1956 and 18 U.S.C. § 1957). Both state and federal law make it illegal to conceal, transfer, or “structure” criminally derived proceeds for the purpose of disguising their origins.
In Fiscal Year 2024, the U.S. Sentencing Commission reported 61,678 federal cases, of which 1,095 were for money laundering, a 45% increase from FY 2020.
The U.S. Sentencing Commission also shows that in New York, 112 people were sentenced in 2023 for money laundering in federal court, accounting for 4.1% of all federal sentences in New York during the year.
These numbers represent only federal cases. In New York State, money laundering can also be prosecuted under state law. This data demonstrates the relative frequency and complexity of such prosecutions and the importance of experienced legal representation for defendants in either state or federal cases.
Penalties And Consequences of a Money Laundering Conviction
Convictions for money laundering have some of the most severe penalties under financial crimes law. A criminal conviction can result in up to 20 years in a federal prison, fines of up to $500,000 or twice the amount of money laundered, and forfeiture of properties and assets involved in the alleged crime.
In addition to the immediate penalties, there are also long-lasting financial and professional impacts, such as damaged credit, loss of professional licenses, and a criminal record that can cause future employment or business opportunity rejections.
With so much on the line, it is crucial to have an experienced Long Island money laundering lawyer to challenge the evidence against you and work to protect your long-term interests.
How Money Laundering Cases Are Investigated and Proven
Long Island money laundering white collar crime cases are typically brought to the Nassau County and Suffolk County Courts or to the federal court of the Eastern District of New York, in either Central Islip or Brooklyn. The investigation may include an analysis of thousands of bank statements, SARs, electronic funds transfers, and wire records.
The prosecutors will often rely on the cooperation of banks and other financial institutions, as well as federal agencies, to track the flow of funds. These investigations often take months or years to complete, and the government will use “common sense inferences from a pattern of transactions” as proof of criminal intent.
An experienced Long Island money laundering lawyer knows how these cases are treated in the courts and by federal prosecutors and can find holes in the government’s investigation.
FAQs
Can I Be Charged With Money Laundering Without Another Conviction?
Yes, prosecutors do not need to prove that you or anyone else was convicted of the underlying offense. They only need to show that the funds came from unlawful activity and were moved, concealed, or structured to appear legitimate. This means you can face money laundering charges even if no other criminal conviction has occurred.
Do Banks Report Suspicious Transactions to the Government?
Banks are required to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) under the Bank Secrecy Act when transactions appear unusual or structured in ways that may suggest unlawful activity. While SARs themselves are not evidence, they often trigger federal investigations. The financial records obtained by prosecutors through these reports can later be used in a case, which is why having an attorney to challenge assumptions about your transactions is critical.
What Agencies Investigate Money Laundering Cases?
The agencies involved in investigating money laundering offenses include the FBI, the IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the DEA, to name a few. In certain instances, these agencies may collaborate with a prosecutor’s office in either Nassau or Suffolk County. Since federal law enforcement officials generally focus on significant or intricate operations, an attorney who is familiar with their techniques and is able to challenge their evidence at trial is needed to defend these types of investigations.
Can the Government Seize Property in a Money Laundering Case?
The government has the ability to take property in a money laundering case if it thinks that assets are involved in unlawful transactions. Property that can be seized includes houses, cars, business accounts, or even cash on hand.
Forfeiture sometimes happens before a conviction, and defendants must then act to defend their property. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can fight these actions by proving the property was obtained legally or was not part of the laundering activity.
Contact a Long Island Money Laundering Lawyer
Facing money laundering charges is serious and can have grave consequences. In some cases, you may not even be aware that your actions are considered money laundering.
The Vitaliano Law Firm has the experience to defend you in state and federal court. Our team provides strategic, results-driven representation designed to protect your rights, assets, and future. Book a confidential consultation today.
Testimonials
About us
An accomplished legal advocate, Michael E. Vitaliano is the founder and principal of The Vitaliano Law Firm, based in New York City. Mr. Vitaliano is a leading criminal defense lawyer and experienced advocate in handling all criminal matters in state and federal court.
Copyright © 2025 The Vitaliano Law Firm. All rights reserved.
Site Map | Privacy Policy | Digital Marketing By 