Money Laundering Attorney in Lake Charles

Under Investigation for Money Laundering? You Need a Former Prosecutor on Your Side

Facing a money laundering charge in Lake Charles can create immediate stress and uncertainty, but you do not have to navigate the legal system alone. At Sudduth & Associates, LLC, we combine courtroom dedication with genuine compassion, treating every client like family while working tirelessly to defend their rights. 

Our longstanding legacy of public service, strong ties to Lake Charles, and a personalized, accessible approach make us a dependable choice for those dealing with the complexities of white-collar and financial crime investigations. As a money laundering criminal defense team in Lake Charles, we stand ready to guide you.

Money laundering cases in our region often require swift action and focused knowledge of both Louisiana and federal law. With severe penalties on the line, having an experienced money laundering criminal lawyer in Lake Charles can mean the difference between a positive outcome and lifelong consequences.

Sudduth & Associates, LLC, offers a confidential consultation to help you navigate your case. We have over 100 years of collective experience, and we are prepared to fight for your future. Call (337) 282-9003 or reach out online today and let a money laundering attorney in Lake Charles start building your defense.

Understanding Money Laundering Laws in Louisiana

Money laundering is defined by both state and federal law as the process of making illegally-gained proceeds appear legitimate. In Louisiana, this crime is governed by Louisiana Revised Statute 14:230, which makes it illegal to engage in a financial transaction involving the proceeds of criminal activity with the intent to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of those funds.

The law specifies that "criminal activity" includes any felony under the laws of Louisiana or the United States. This means that a money laundering charge is always tied to another, underlying crime, known as a "predicate offense." 

Common predicate offenses include:

• Drug trafficking
• Fraud
• Theft
• Public corruption

As a result, if you are being investigated for money laundering, you are likely also facing charges for the criminal activity that generated the funds. A seasoned money laundering attorney in Lake Charles will not only defend you against the money laundering charge but will also mount a defense against the underlying offense.

While Louisiana's statute applies to offenses within the state, federal laws such as 18 U.S.C. § 1956 and 18 U.S.C. § 1957 are often used by federal prosecutors for cases with an interstate or international component. These laws are used by federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, and IRS, and carry even more severe penalties.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

The key elements the prosecution must prove for a conviction under Louisiana law include:

• Financial Transaction: The prosecution must prove that a financial transaction took place. This can be a deposit, withdrawal, transfer of funds, or any other transaction that affects interstate or foreign commerce.
• Criminal Proceeds: The funds or assets involved in the transaction must be proven to be "proceeds" of a "criminal activity." This requires a direct link between the money and a predicate felony.
• Knowledge: The prosecution must prove that you knew the funds were derived from criminal activity. This is a critical element, as an innocent person who unknowingly handled illicit funds cannot be convicted of money laundering.
• Intent: The transaction must have been designed, in whole or in part, to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of the criminal proceeds.

A skilled money laundering attorney in Lake Charles from our firm will challenge each of these elements. We may argue that you lacked the requisite knowledge, that the funds were not from a criminal source, or that the transaction was not intended to conceal anything. We will meticulously review financial records, bank statements, and communications to build a defense that counters the government's narrative.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Conviction

A money laundering conviction can have a catastrophic impact on your life, carrying both direct and collateral consequences that can be more damaging than those for the underlying crime.

Direct penalties under Louisiana law are tied to the value of the funds involved:

• Less than $3,000: Up to 6 months in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
• $3,000 or more but less than $20,000: Up to 10 years in prison with or without hard labor, and a fine of up to $10,000.
• $20,000 or more but less than $100,000: Up to 20 years in prison at hard labor, and a fine of up to $20,000.
• $100,000 or more: Up to 50 years in prison at hard labor, and a fine of up to $50,000.

Federal charges carry even more severe penalties. A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 can result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years and fines of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved. Additionally, convictions under both state and federal law often lead to asset forfeiture, where the government can seize any property, money, or assets obtained through or used to facilitate the crime.

The collateral consequences of a conviction are just as devastating and can include:

• Permanent Criminal Record: A felony conviction will appear on your criminal record, making it difficult to find future employment, housing, or to obtain professional licenses.
• Professional Disbarment: For those in professions such as law, accounting, or finance, a money laundering conviction will almost certainly result in the loss of your license.
• Difficulty Obtaining Credit: Financial crimes make you a high-risk borrower, making it nearly impossible to secure loans or mortgages.
• Immigration Issues: For non-citizens, a money laundering conviction can lead to deportation.

This is why having an experienced Lake Charles money laundering lawyer is so important. We understand the full scope of these penalties and will fight to protect your freedom and your future.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Money Laundering Defense

Our background as former prosecutors means we are uniquely positioned to anticipate the government's moves and build a proactive defense. A money laundering attorney in Lake Charles from our firm will put over 100 years of collective experience to work for you.

Some of the defense strategies we may employ include:

• Challenging the Knowledge and Intent: We can argue that you were an unwitting participant in a scheme and had no knowledge that the funds were criminally derived.
• Lack of Predicate Offense: We will challenge the government's ability to prove a direct link between the funds and an underlying criminal activity.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: We will scrutinize the methods used by law enforcement to obtain evidence. If they violated your constitutional rights, we will seek to have the evidence thrown out of court.
• Independent Investigation: We will not rely solely on the government's evidence. We will conduct our own investigation, working with forensic accountants and financial experts to analyze the transactions and build a counter-narrative.

Why Work With a Money Laundering Lawyer in Lake Charles?

Each money laundering criminal defense case is unique and deeply personal. At Sudduth & Associates, LLC, we know that your future depends on the strength of your defense and the clarity of your communication with your legal team. Clients choose us because we offer a supportive experience, combining local knowledge with a dedication to integrity and results.

• Personalized defense strategies: Every client’s situation is evaluated on its own merits, and our legal approach is tailored to the specific circumstances involved under Louisiana money laundering statutes.
• Family-oriented legal support: We see every individual as a whole person—not just as a case number. Our relationships with clients are built on ongoing communication, trust, and respect from our first conversation through the final resolution.
• Accessibility when you need it most: We provide bilingual consultations, urgent and same-day appointments, and responsive communication throughout your matter, eliminating unnecessary stress and confusion.
• Community-driven legal guidance: We serve Lake Charles from a historic office, drawing on our years of combined courtroom and negotiation experience across state and federal criminal courts in Louisiana.
• Multicultural & multilingual service: Our diverse team communicates clearly and inclusively, ensuring clients of different backgrounds feel understood and informed every step of the way.

As your money laundering lawyer in Lake Charles, we provide straightforward explanations, practical solutions, and consistent updates so you can play an active role in your own defense. With each case, we uphold the values of transparency and partnership that Lake Charles families have relied on for years.

Our Defense Process for Money Laundering Charges in Lake Charles

If you or someone you care about is under investigation or facing charges, here’s what to expect as we defend your rights and future in Lake Charles courts:

• Confidential initial consultation: We offer fast, private meetings—often the same day—to listen to your concerns and answer pressing questions about your situation.
• Thorough evidence review & defense planning: Our legal team examines police records, banking documents, and the prosecution's arguments to uncover vulnerabilities in their case.
• Motions & legal challenges: We file strategic motions contesting the government’s use of evidence, such as how financial records were obtained, and may seek to reduce or dismiss charges based on procedure.
• Representation at all hearings & trial: We attend every court date—whether at Calcasieu Parish Courthouse or the federal courthouse—providing strong advocacy at every phase of your defense.
• Continued guidance after resolution: After the case is resolved, we help you understand the next steps and minimize any ongoing legal or practical impacts.

Throughout this process, our goal is to provide steady guidance and clear explanations, so you remain empowered at every decision point. Because money laundering charges typically involve complicated records and multiple agencies, we conduct in-depth investigations and develop proactive strategies early in the process.

Take The Next Step with a Lake Charles Money Laundering Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing allegations or formal charges involving money laundering, taking prompt, informed action can help preserve your rights and protect your future. Reach out to our team at Sudduth & Associates, LLC for caring, confidential support and guidance rooted in local experience. 

We treat every client with respect and diligence, using our deep knowledge of Louisiana financial crime laws and local court procedures to stand by your side.

Call us at (337) 282-9003 or fill out this online form for a no-pressure conversation about your options. Let us defend your reputation and rights as your dedicated money laundering lawyer in Lake Charles.