Defending Complex Money Laundering Charges

Federal money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 and § 1957 are among the most vigorously prosecuted financial crimes in the United States. Prosecutors frequently add money laundering counts to drug trafficking, fraud, or RICO indictments as a force multiplier — increasing both sentencing exposure and asset forfeiture risk.

George J. Vila has represented clients charged with money laundering in both stand-alone prosecutions and as part of complex multi-count federal indictments. He has successfully obtained dismissals and reductions through rigorous motion practice and negotiation.

Common Charges

• 18 U.S.C. § 1956 — Laundering of Monetary Instruments
• 18 U.S.C. § 1957 — Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Criminally Derived Property
• Currency structuring (31 U.S.C. § 5324)
• Bulk cash smuggling
• Bank Secrecy Act violations
• RICO money laundering conspiracies

Asset Forfeiture Defense

Money laundering charges almost always come with civil and criminal asset forfeiture. We contest forfeiture rigorously — filing third-party claims, challenging probable cause, and working to recover seized assets for our clients and their families.