Money Laundering Defense Attorney in Torrance

Facing Money Laundering Allegations In Torrance? Call Pat Carey For Aggressive Defense

Learning that you are under investigation or have been arrested for money laundering is frightening. You may be worried about prison, losing your assets, and what this means for your future. If you are searching for a money laundering attorney in Torrance, you already know the stakes feel very high.

At Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey, we represent people accused of serious financial crime in this area. We understand how quickly an investigation can turn into formal charges and how confusing the process can be. You do not have to face detectives, prosecutors, or complex financial records on your own.

Our lead attorney, Pat Carey, is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist in California and a former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney. He has handled thousands of criminal cases in the same court system that will decide yours. If you need a money laundering criminal lawyer in Torrance, we are ready to talk with you confidentially and explain your options.

Your reputation and your assets are on the line. Secure a money laundering defense attorney in Torrance who has the expertise to dismantle the prosecution's case. Call (310) 695-1118 or reach out online now to discuss your legal options.

Understanding Money Laundering Laws in California

In California, money laundering is primarily prosecuted under two distinct statutes, depending on the nature of the alleged underlying crime. Navigating these codes requires a Torrance money laundering lawyer who understands the subtle but critical differences between them.

• Penal Code § 186.10 (General Money Laundering): This is the state’s broad money laundering statute. It applies when an individual conducts one or more transactions through a financial institution with the specific intent to promote criminal activity or with the knowledge that the funds came from criminal activity. This law specifically targets transactions exceeding $5,000 in a seven-day period or $25,000 within a 30-day period.
• Health and Safety Code § 11370.9 (Drug Money Laundering): This statute is specifically designed to target the financial side of narcotics operations. Unlike the general penal code, this section does not require the use of a financial institution; it can apply to any transaction involving proceeds known to be derived from drug crimes, provided the value exceeds $25,000 within a 30-day period.

It is important to note that money laundering is often charged as a "wobbler" in California, meaning the District Attorney can choose to prosecute it as either a misdemeanor or a felony based on the amount of money involved and your prior criminal history.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Money Laundering Convictions in California

The penalties for money laundering in California are designed to be punitive and often include significant sentencing enhancements based on the dollar amount involved.

• Prison Sentence: A felony conviction for money laundering can lead to up to four years in state prison.
• Fines: You face fines of up to $250,000 or twice the value of the money laundered, whichever is greater. For repeat offenders, this fine can increase to $500,000 or five times the amount laundered.
• Sentencing Enhancements: California law allows for "weight" enhancements that add consecutive time to your sentence:
  • +1 Year: If the amount exceeds $50,000.
  • +2 Years: If the amount exceeds $150,000.
  • +3 Years: If the amount exceeds $1,000,000.
  • +4 Years: If the amount exceeds $2,500,000.

The collateral consequences of a "white-collar" felony conviction are devastating. You may face the permanent loss of professional licenses (CPA, medical, legal), and you will likely be disqualified from most positions in the financial or corporate sectors. 

Furthermore, the state may initiate asset forfeiture proceedings to seize your bank accounts, real estate, and personal property long before a trial even begins.

What To Do If You Are Investigated

Many people feel an immediate urge to explain everything to investigators, employers, or bank representatives. That reaction is understandable, but it can be dangerous. Statements made early in an investigation can be used later to support criminal charges, even if you were only trying to clear up a misunderstanding. Once something is said, it is very hard to take it back or explain it differently.

If you believe you are under investigation for money laundering, helpful immediate steps include:

• Contact our firm promptly so we can advise you before you speak with any investigator or agency.
• Gather basic information about the contact you have had with law enforcement without trying to argue your case.
• Preserve financial records, contracts, and relevant communications, and avoid deleting or altering them.
• Avoid discussing details of the situation on social media with anyone other than your lawyer.

By reaching out to us early, you give Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey more room to help shape how the case develops. We can communicate with investigators on your behalf, help you avoid statements that may be misunderstood, and begin evaluating whether charges are likely to be filed in the Torrance Courthouse or elsewhere in Los Angeles County.

How We Defend Money Laundering Cases in Torrance

• Challenging Knowledge and Intent: We focus on proving that our clients acted in good faith and had no knowledge of any underlying criminal activity.
• Scrutinizing the Source of Funds: We meticulously document legitimate income sources to show that the "suspicious" transactions were actually part of normal business or personal financial management.
• Suppression of Financial Evidence: Many money laundering cases rely on subpoenas and search warrants that may violate your Fourth Amendment rights. We fight to exclude any evidence obtained through overreaching or illegal surveillance.
• Asset Protection: We work tirelessly to prevent or reverse the seizure of your assets, ensuring you have the resources necessary to fund your lifestyle and your defense.

Why Choose Us For Money Laundering Defense in Torrance

When your freedom and reputation are on the line, the background of your lawyer matters. Pat Carey is one of a small group of attorneys in California who hold the Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist credential. This certification reflects advanced training and testing in criminal law, and it gives our clients confidence that we focus heavily on serious criminal matters.

Before defending individuals, Pat worked as a top prosecutor with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. That experience helps us understand how prosecutors evaluate money laundering cases, what evidence they consider persuasive, and where they see weaknesses in their own files.

Over the course of more than 7,000 criminal cases and 65 jury trials, Pat has seen how complex financial evidence is presented to juries and judges. This history informs how we assess bank records, transaction histories, and alleged paper trails that the prosecution claims prove illegal activity. It also helps us give you practical guidance about risks, potential defenses, and what a jury may find convincing.

Our firm uses technology to manage and analyze large volumes of financial information, which is common in money laundering investigations. We stay current on changes in California criminal law and the procedures used by the Los Angeles County District Attorney. 

Working With Our Torrance Money Laundering Defense Attorney

In an initial confidential consultation, we typically ask about the contact you have had with law enforcement, any paperwork you have received, and the nature of your business or financial activities. We then discuss the likely path of a case like yours and potential next steps.

If you are looking for a money laundering criminal lawyer in Torrance who knows the courts here and has stood on both sides of the courtroom, we invite you to reach out. The sooner you involve a seasoned defender, the more options you may have.

Our 24/7 availability allows us to respond quickly when clients are contacted by law enforcement or served with search warrants in the Torrance area. To speak with our team at Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey about your situation, call (310) 695-1118 or reach out online now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could I go to prison for money laundering?

Prison is a real possibility in money laundering cases, especially when large sums or related felonies are involved. The exact exposure depends on the charges, your history, and how the court and prosecutors view the evidence. We assess those factors and explain realistic risk during a consultation.

Should I talk to investigators before I call you?

We strongly advise speaking with us before talking to any investigator. Even honest attempts to explain can be misunderstood and later used against you. Once we understand what is happening, we can help decide if and how to communicate with law enforcement in a way that protects your rights.

How does a former prosecutor help my case?

A former prosecutor understands how cases are built, which facts matter most, and where weaknesses usually appear. Pat Carey reviewed many files as a Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney. That experience helps us anticipate strategy on the other side and shape defenses and negotiations that address real prosecutorial concerns.

Where will my money laundering case be heard?

Many cases arising in this area are filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney and heard at the Torrance Courthouse. Some matters may be filed in other county courts or, in limited circumstances, in federal court. We review where the alleged conduct occurred and which agencies are involved to understand likely venues.

When should I contact a money laundering lawyer?

It is wise to contact a lawyer as soon as you suspect an investigation, even before arrest or formal charges. Early advice can help you avoid harmful statements and protect important evidence. Our team is available around the clock so you can reach us quickly when something happens.

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