New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

Under New Jersey Statute 2C:21-25, it is illegal to “transport or possess property known or which a reasonable person would believe to be derived from criminal activity.” It is also illegal to engage in a transaction involving goods knowingly derived from a criminal act. Money laundering may also include concealing or disguising the way an item was obtained. Anyone charged with money laundering in New Jersey should not be convicted if they were unaware that an item was obtained through criminal activity.

The term “laundering” comes from the idea that a person will try to clean dirty money through transactions. This is a serious crime that can result in life-changing penalties. In New Jersey, the financial penalty for money laundering can be up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property in question. Additionally, defendants may face prison sentences up to 20 years.

There are a number of money laundering cases that result from wrongful allegations. Legitimate businesses that are charged with money laundering may face severe consequences such as serious credibility issues even if the charges are false or later dropped. Anyone facing these serious allegations would be well-advised to seek skilled legal representation and to fight the charges to regain their reputation.

The Princeton money laundering defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help individuals and businesses in New Jersey fight money laundering charges. We understand the consequences of money laundering allegations and we help protect our client’s future. If you or a loved one is facing money laundering charges in New Jersey, please contact us at 609-240-0040 today.

In New Jersey, money laundering is a crime of falsifying the origins of illegal funds so that they appear legitimate. The term “laundering” is used to describe the process of making “dirty” money clean so as not to arouse suspicion when the money is spent. Being accused of money laundering in New Jersey is serious and can carry very heavy penalties if convicted, including a fine of $500,000 or two times the value of the property involved in the transaction. Additionally, a sentence of up to 20 years in prison may also be imposed.

Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the prevention of money laundering has become a top priority for the government of the United States. Statutes such as the Bank Secrecy Act, the Money Laundering Control Act, and the Patriot Act have all been imposed and play a part in determining whether or not a person is guilty of money laundering. The laws that surround this type of crime are made even more complicated by the three Acts, and can be very difficult to understand. Therefore it is absolutely vital that legal counsel from an experienced attorney is acquired as soon as possible as soon as a person is accused of money laundering in New Jersey.

Someone who is accused of money laundering may have to face an even broader range of penalties. If a business of an individual is charged with the crime, oftentimes clients, investors, and anyone who had a connection with the accused will be investigated. Charges such as tax evasion, drug trafficking, organized crime, and other more can be filed in addition to money laundering.

When someone is wrongly accused of money laundering, the individual as well as their business may suffer irreparably as a result of the charge. People will no longer trust that person and may stop supporting the once successful business. If you have been accused of money laundering in New Jersey, it would be in your best interest to contact the dedicated Princeton money laundering defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein. We have handled a plethora of successful criminal defense cases and may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed completely. To understand your rights and legal options, contact us today at 1-609-240-0040.

Although since 2001 New Jersey has witnessed more than 130 public officials plead guilty or be convicted of corruption, the recent June 23, 2009 report of 44 individuals being arrested as part of a money laundering ring is quite shocking. Not only has a New Jersey governor’s cabinet member resigned, but three mayors, two state legislators, and several rabbis were taken into custody. The very detailed investigation will continue as the vast corruption of trafficking goods ranging from human organs to false designer handbags reveals itself.

Head of the FBI’s “white-collar and public corruption investigation” division stated, “New Jersey’s corruption problem is one of the worst, if not the worst, in the nation…corruption is a cancer that is destroying the core values of this state.”

Within the many arrests made, some of the charges brought against New Jersey officials included posing as a developer and gaining permits and approvals through accepting significantly large sums, conspiracy to commit extortion in illegal campaign contributions, and accepting cash bribes. The charged group as a whole is alleged to have laundered up to as much as tens of millions of dollars through charities managed by rabbis in New Jersey and New York.

Money laundering in New Jersey is a serious type of white-collar crime that can greatly jeopardize an accused person’s reputation, much as it will undoubtedly affect the public officials facing these charges, most facing lengthy jail time and heavy fines. Earning back the public’s trust, even if you were only accused yet not convicted of corruption, is something that can take decades to take place, if it even happens at all.

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