Raleigh Money Laundering Lawyer

Raleigh Money Laundering Attorney

Facing white collar crime charges can be overwhelming and intimidating, which is why it’s wise to hire a Raleigh money laundering lawyer who can represent you throughout your case. Money laundering cases are often complex, often involving other charges that complicate the situation. It is always beneficial to seek legal representation from someone who has experience with money laundering cases in Raleigh.

W. James Payne Law Firm has been in business for over four decades, serving residents throughout Raleigh and beyond. Our team has extensive experience in all types of white collar criminal cases. If you’re facing charges, you can count on our team to protect you during the legal proceedings that follow.

Recent Money Laundering Cases in Raleigh, NC

Money laundering is a serious crime that is prosecuted harshly in North Carolina. While this type of crime is non-violent, these cases can have severe impacts on the lives of many people. The Attorney General’s Office sees around 20,000 consumer complaints each year.

Money laundering can involve any number of activities. In March 2025, a woman in Wake County was sentenced to two years for a money laundering and tax fraud scheme that cost two million dollars. She was caught attempting to defraud multiple victims in a romance fraud scheme. In cases where financial schemes overlap with fraud, charges like PPP loan fraud may also apply.

Another woman in May of the same year was sentenced to eight years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She fraudulently submitted loan applications to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) as well as loan and grant applications to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program and Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) Program.

Raleigh Money Laundering Laws

Money laundering is a type of white collar crime that pertains to knowingly engaging in activities that involve possessing and/or using funds from criminal acts. To be convicted of money laundering in North Carolina, the prosecution must prove that you had knowledge of the criminal activity. Such activities include:

• Acquiring, concealing, maintaining, possessing, supervising, transferring, and transporting funds from criminal activity
• Conducting transactions to avoid reporting requirements
• Investing, expending, offering, or receiving criminal proceeds
• Promoting further criminal activities
• Using criminal proceeds to disguise their control, location, nature, or ownership

North Carolina’s anti-money laundering laws involve having or using funds in excess of $10,000 from criminal acts for personal benefits. Money laundering is often charged in conjunction with other organized crimes, like:

• Arms trafficking
• Cybercrime
• Drug trafficking
• Embezzlement
• Tax fraud

Hire a Money Laundering Lawyer Near You

While you’re allowed to represent yourself in a criminal case, you’re typically better off working with someone who has more experience with money laundering cases. A Raleigh money laundering lawyer can evaluate your case and build a defense that secures you the greatest possible outcome. We also help clients navigate related issues, such as federal expungement when eligible after resolution.

W. James Payne Law Firm has over 40 years of experience in criminal law, so we’re familiar with navigating all types of cases, including white collar crimes, like money laundering. Our reputation has continued to grow over the years as we’ve guided thousands of clients through their cases.

We’re an Avvo Top Attorney with a 10.0 rating and have been rated by Super Lawyers® for 10 years. Moreover, we’re on America’s Top 100 Attorneys list, the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers list, and the American Board of Criminal Lawyers.

In addition to winning multiple awards over the years, including the Police Benevolent Association Award, we’ve gained the trust and respect of our clients after helping them through their cases. W. James Payne is a champion for the accused and can work hard to defend you.

FAQs

What Are North Carolina’s Money Laundering Laws?

North Carolina’s money laundering laws recently saw an update through the passing of House Bill 495 in June 2024. Before that, there was no real state statute that specifically labeled money laundering as a crime. We break down changes like this in our legal insights on North Carolina’s criminal statutes.

Most money laundering penalties include hefty fines and time in prison. Also, federal laws can impact money laundering cases in North Carolina.

What Is the Minimum Sentence for Money Laundering in Raleigh?

Money laundering is a serious federal crime that is often associated with other types of organized crime, like corruption, drug trafficking, fraud, and tax evasion. Under both state and federal law, money laundering is classified as a felony. The exact penalties will depend on several factors, including the severity of the offense, the amount of money involved, and what other offenses accompanied the crime.

How Can I Fight Money Laundering Charges in Raleigh?

Fighting money laundering charges can be a challenge, especially if you’re trying to handle your case on your own. Working with a Raleigh money laundering attorney can be highly beneficial when fighting your charges. It’s critical to gather evidence to bolster your claim and prove your innocence. Common defenses people use for these types of charges include:

• Coercion
• Distress
• Improper investigations
• Insufficient evidence
• Intentional structuring
• Lack of intent or knowledge
• Violation of rights

Is Stealing $5,000 Considered Money Laundering in Raleigh?

A: Stealing $5,000 is considered a crime in Raleigh, but it’s not classified as money laundering. That specific charge requires an offender to unlawfully collect or handle criminal funds exceeding $10,000.

Money laundering isn’t rooted in the unlawful taking of property. Instead, it focuses on concealing the origins of illegally obtained funds. Simply stealing money is typically classified as larceny theft. Stealing $5,000, specifically, would be classified as felony larceny.

Talk to a Raleigh Money Laundering Lawyer About Your Case Today

Facing money laundering charges can change your life forever, so it’s important to take your charges seriously and act quickly to mitigate the damage. A Raleigh money laundering lawyer can represent and guide you through each phase of your case proceedings. That way, you don’t have to wonder about your case at any point.

If you’re ready to start building a defense for your case, hire a money laundering lawyer you can trust. We can assess the situation and get you on the right path to a favorable verdict. W. James Payne Law Firm can take on your case; all you have to do is contact us to schedule an appointment today.