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Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering (18 U.S.C. 1357; 18 U.S.C. 371) Lawyers

February 18, 2025

Last Updated on: 15th March 2025, 11:32 pm

CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MONEY LAUNDERING LAWYERS (18 U.S.C. 1357; 18 U.S.C. 371)

WE ARE SPODEK LAW GROUP, a nationwide federal defense law firm created by Todd Spodek. We don’t believe in sugarcoating the truth, or hiding things. If you’re facing conspiracy to commit money laundering charges, we know you’re scared and think you might go to jail. We also know you can’t afford to freeze up or pretend everything’s fine. You need a plan now, and that’s why we’re here to help you.

AS SEEN ON MAJOR NEWS OUTLETS, we’ve built a reputation by handling tough federal cases and getting results – like winning your case. This charge is no joke. Conspiracy to commit money laundering can lead to severe penalties that may destroy your life and your future – in addition your family will be impacted, because money can be taken away from them. When you’re accused of funneling illegal funds or knowingly moving cash from criminal acts, the government tries to make an example of you.

WHAT IS “CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MONEY LAUNDERING”?

Money laundering is a crime that was created to target individuals who move money in ways intended to hide its real origin. When multiple people plan or agree to commit this crime, that agreement can trigger conspiracy charges. The federal government often relies on 18 U.S.C. 371 (Conspiracy) to show you teamed up with others to move dirty cash around and avoid detection. Even if the laundering scheme never succeeded, the very act of plotting can be enough for conspiracy charges.

Once prosecutors believe there’s a plan that was intended to conceal money from illegal activities, they may try to prove you joined or helped. Their goal is to prove you had criminal intent; not that you were incidentally involved without realizing it. If they succeed, you’re looking at substantial prison time and hefty fines. That reality should jolt you awake because failing to act quickly could seal your fate. Your entire future is on the line here.

WHY PROSECUTORS TAKE THIS SO SERIOUSLY

Money laundering often involves funds that were generated by crimes like drug trafficking, fraud, or other federal violations. Prosecutors see money laundering as the engine that keeps criminal enterprises alive, so they pursue these charges aggressively – they know that if they stop the money, the illegal business shuts down. That determination to make an example of you should push you to take immediate action. Doing nothing, or hoping you can talk your way out of it, may lead to you facing maximum punishments and a permanent criminal record. The government has massive resources, and they intend to use every single one of them against you.

PENALTIES AND PUNISHMENT

Serious potential sentences are involved. Depending on the facts of your case, a conviction for conspiracy to commit money laundering can result in up to 20 years in federal prison. You could also face fines that might wipe out your finances forever. That sentence will take away your freedom and put a permanent mark on your record, making it harder to get a job or rent a home. Beyond that, you may lose professional licenses or security clearances, if you had them. There’s also the embarrassment factor—your name might appear in news headlines that never go away.

Key Issue What It Means Potential Consequence
Conspiracy Charge An agreement that was intended to carry out illegal money laundering Up to 5 years in prison just for conspiracy (under 18 U.S.C. 371), plus penalties for laundering
Money Laundering Offense Moving or concealing funds that were related to unlawful activities Up to 20 years imprisonment, heavy fines, forfeiture of assets
Combined Charges Facing both conspiracy and laundering allegations at once Stiffer sentences, massive financial penalties, possible lifetime supervision

HOW WE’D DEFEND YOU

We are Spodek Law Group—and our defense strategies revolve around approaches, not guesswork. We believe in hitting weak points in the prosecutor’s case and showing why the accusations don’t hold up. Our goal is to get the prosecutors case thrown out. Here’s how we tackle conspiracy to commit money laundering:

1. Attack the Evidence that was gathered improperly. If we prove certain wiretaps or documents were illegally obtained, that evidence might be thrown out. If that evidence is thrown out, the prosecutor’s entire argument can crumble, leading to reduced charges or a dismissal. The goal is to get the case dismissed.

2. Challenge the “Agreement” Aspect. Conspiracy requires an agreement that was deliberate and specific – the goal is to focus on intent, proving you had intent to participate. If we show you never really agreed, or had no knowledge, then the backbone of a conspiracy charge collapses. That collapse will force the government to consider lesser charges or drop the case.

3. Expose the Lack of Intent. Prosecutors must prove that you intended to hide or process dirty money. If we present facts that show you didn’t know the money was illegal, or you were just a middleman who was unaware, your charges may be reduced.

4. Plea Bargains with an Edge. When a dismissal isn’t likely, we shift our focus to negotiating favorable plea deals. Our attorneys know how to push for lesser penalties, meaning smaller fines and shorter sentences.

If you want a legal team that was built for high-stakes fights, you need to meet us halfway. We’ll call out any tendency to sit back and hope it blows over. We’ve seen clients try to dodge the issue, and guess what happens? They lose momentum, and the prosecution gains more time to build a devastating case. If you keep procrastinating, you risk losing everything you’ve built. That outcome is not what you want, so let’s not play games here. We’re direct, we’re decisive, and we expect you to match our level of urgency.

WHY ACT FAST MATTERS

When you move quickly, you grab control of your own story and avoid letting the prosecution set the narrative. This means you secure evidence first, interview witnesses first, and craft your defense before the government corners you. That strategy can change everything.

Consider the domino effect that was triggered by a simple delay: You miss a key court date, the judge issues a warrant, law enforcement escalates matters, and suddenly you’re behind bars. That spiral then increases your anxiety, drains your resources, and weakens your ability to fight back. Fast action, on the other hand, puts you on offense. We want you on offense, because that’s where you have leverage, and that leverage can lead to better deals—or even the outright dismissal of all charges.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE YOUR CASE

Sometimes, people believe money laundering and conspiracy charges only apply to massive international cartels or billionaire fraudsters. That’s incorrect. Regular individuals who were simply roped in by a friend or relative can be charged. If you transferred funds that were connected to an unlawful scheme—and the government thinks you knew about it—they might label you a co-conspirator. That accusation will slam you with severe legal consequences. Avoid brushing it off as “just a misunderstanding.” We’ve seen clients do that, and it backfired spectacularly.

LEVERAGE POINTS WE USE FOR SUCCESS

Our philosophy is clear: We find your strongest leverage point that was overlooked by the prosecutor and use it to challenge their entire argument and get evidence thrown out. Maybe they have a low quality witness, or maybe they violated a search protocol. We focus on these mistakes, raise doubts, and push for dismissal or a better deal.

REACH OUT NOW

We’re available 24/7 for a risk-free consultation, which means you can talk to us without any commitment.

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Todd Spodek

Founding Partner

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RALPH P. FRANCHO, JR

Associate

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JEREMY FEIGENBAUM

Associate Attorney

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ELIZABETH GARVEY

Associate

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CLAIRE BANKS

Associate

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RAJESH BARUA

Of-Counsel

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CHAD LEWIN

Of-Counsel

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