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New York Penal Law § 470.20: Money Laundering in the First Degree
Last Updated on: 18th February 2025, 12:47 am
NYC CRIMINAL LAWYERS YOU CAN TRUST
MONEY LAUNDERING IN THE FIRST DEGREE
Money laundering is a major criminal offense in New York.
It can threaten your future.
It can change your life forever.
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AT Spodek Law Group, we understand how overwhelming it feels to face an allegation of money laundering. When state or federal authorities come knocking, you need a top rated criminal defense attorney on your radar—someone who knows how to get you results.
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UNDERSTANDING NEW YORK PENAL LAW § 470.20
Under New York Penal Law § 470.20, Money Laundering in the First Degree involves conducting a financial transaction knowing that the property involved represents the proceeds of criminal activity, with intent to promote or complete such activity, or to conceal the nature of those illicit proceeds. This statute focuses on amounts typically exceeding one million dollars and escalates the severity for higher thresholds.
If you want the exact statutory language, please visit the New York State Senate website, which hosts the official text of this law.
WHAT KIND OF CRIME IS MONEY LAUNDERING IN THE FIRST DEGREE?
Money Laundering in the First Degree in New York is generally classified as a Class B felony. That means prosecutors and law enforcement treat it as a serious crime. If you’re convicted, you could be facing:
- Up to 25 years behind bars.
- Severe financial penalties—including potentially massive fines.
- A permanent criminal record that follows you everywhere you go.
Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, know that our criminal defense attorneys can help you.
WHY ARE THESE PENALTIES SO SEVERE?
Lawmakers want to discourage organized crime and major financial wrongdoing. They often see high-value money laundering as a gateway to other crimes—like drug trafficking, tax evasion, or fraud. Consequently, prosecutors might be especially aggressive in going after these offenses.
EXPERIENCED. DEDICATED.
Our roster of attorneys has over 50 years of combined experience. We’ve been featured on major news outlets for legal insights—meaning we’re no strangers to high-stakes situations where the future of our client is on the line. If you’re dealing with a money laundering charge—especially one involving large sums of money—this is the moment to hire the best possible criminal defense attorney.
WHAT THE STATE HAS TO PROVE
To secure a conviction under New York Penal Law § 470.20, the prosecution must show that you:
- Knew the property in question was the proceeds of criminal activity.
- Made a transaction or series of transactions meant to hide or promote that illicit conduct.
- Involved amounts at or above the legal threshold (often exceeding $1 million, depending on the subsection).
Without these elements, the prosecution’s case becomes weaker. That’s where our
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NYC Criminal Lawyers
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come in—poking holes in the government’s narrative and challenging the evidence.
HOW WE DEFEND YOU
1. CHALLENGING THE EVIDENCE
We look at how investigators acquired their evidence. Did law enforcement have a valid warrant? Did they conduct any illegal searches and seizures? Our objective is to see if your Fourth Amendment rights were violated. If there’s a chance that evidence was obtained improperly, we can file a motion to suppress—crippling the prosecutor’s case.
2. ATTACKING INTENT
Money laundering charges hinge on whether you “knew” or intended to facilitate criminal conduct. Sometimes transactions appear suspicious simply because of poor record-keeping or complicated financial maneuvers in legitimate business operations. If the state fails to show you had actual knowledge of wrongdoing, that can lead to a dismissal or significant reduction of charges.
3. QUESTIONING FINANCIAL THRESHOLDS
Money Laundering in the First Degree often requires large transaction totals. We ensure the prosecution’s math adds up. If the final total can be decreased below statutory thresholds, you could face a lesser charge—or see your case dropped altogether.
4. CONSIDERING FEDERAL IMPLICATIONS
Money laundering often triggers federal investigations too. Agencies like the Department of Justice or the Internal Revenue Service might step in if interstate or international transactions are involved. We have a seasoned team prepared to handle parallel federal cases, in case your legal troubles go beyond state boundaries. For more on federal money laundering statutes, you can check the U.S. Department of Justice website.
5. PLEA BARGAINS AND NEGOTIATIONS
If fighting for a dismissal isn’t possible, we can negotiate a plea bargain that reduces the charges and avoids lengthy incarceration. Our attorneys have experience dealing with some of the toughest legal issues nationwide. We focus on getting you the best possible outcome—whether that’s a plea deal or a jury verdict in your favor.
Regardless of the stage of your case, we can help you. We are available 24/7, to provide a risk free consultation.
REAL CASE RESULTS
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We represented a client whose situation sparked intense media interest. Through methodical defense strategies, we were able to build a compelling narrative that resonated with both the courts and the press.
Now, imagine that level of relentless representation applied to your Money Laundering in the First Degree charge.
FACING MONEY LAUNDERING ACCUSATIONS?
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU’RE UNDER INVESTIGATION?
- Don’t speak to law enforcement without an attorney.
- Don’t hand over documents or consent to searches without checking with legal counsel.
- Call a qualified criminal defense attorney immediately.
If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re looking for the best criminal defense attorney for your case. At Spodek Law Group, we understand that you’re worried about the impact these allegations can have on your family, career, and future. Our goal is to provide the best possible customer service—and we do that by aggressively defending you in court.
WE’VE HANDLED CASES OTHERS CALL UNWINNABLE
Many times, money laundering allegations are based on complicated financial records that prosecutors love to wave around as “irrefutable proof.” But our job is to simplify, dissect, and refute that data in front of a judge or jury.
TOP RATED FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS
Money laundering can also place you in the crosshairs of federal authorities. Our attorneys are recognized as top rated in dealing with state and federal matters. That experience matters when your liberty is at stake.
WHY CHOOSE SPODEK LAW GROUP?
- Nationwide Representation: We have handled cases from NYC to Los Angeles, from coast to coast.
- Online Digital Portal: All communications, invoicing, and submission of documents can be done virtually.
- 50+ Years Combined Experience: We’ve navigated the toughest cases and have come out on top.