Focused Defense for State & Federal Money Laundering Allegations
Money laundering allegations can place financial transactions, digital communications, and the source of disputed funds at the center of a criminal case. At Addair Law, we defend individuals and business owners accused of violating Kansas or federal money laundering laws.
Since 2005, we have represented clients in Manhattan and the surrounding region. Our practice includes focused work in criminal defense and family law, with English- and Spanish-language representation available. We also offer secure virtual consultations for clients who can’t meet with us in person.
Call (785) 645-2732 to discuss the accusation with our criminal defense team and identify the next steps in your case.
Kansas Money Laundering Charges & Felony Levels
K.S.A. 21-5716 prohibits receiving or acquiring proceeds known to come from specified drug-related crimes and conducting transactions involving those proceeds. The statute also covers distributing, investing, concealing, transporting, or maintaining an interest in property intended to further covered drug crimes. A financial transaction may violate the statute when it’s designed to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of the proceeds.
The value of the proceeds determines the alleged offense’s drug severity level:
Below $5,000: Level 5
$5,000 to less than $100,000: Level 4
$100,000 to less than $250,000: Level 3
$250,000 to less than $500,000: Level 2
$500,000 or more: Level 1
The Kansas Sentencing Guidelines Grid considers both the offense’s drug severity level and the defendant’s criminal history. The applicable range therefore depends on the charged level and the person’s prior record, not the dollar amount alone.
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“Addair Law handled my case with compassion and dedication, delivering the best outcome possible. Special thanks to Bella Hager for her tireless support!”
How We Defend Money Laundering Cases in Riley County
Riley County District Court in Manhattan handles felony cases, while the Riley County Attorney’s Office prosecutes crimes alleged to have occurred in Riley County. The charge, court, and statutes identified in the charging documents establish the case’s procedural setting. Federal allegations proceed under different statutes and procedures.
Our defense process begins with discovery, the evidence prosecutors must disclose during the case. We examine financial records, communications, reports, and available digital evidence against the conduct alleged in the charging documents.
Our work after charges are filed may include:
Discovery review: We assess the prosecution’s evidence and identify missing information or material that requires closer examination.
Motion practice: We file motions to compel exculpatory evidence, meaning information favorable to the defense, and challenge digital evidence obtained in violation of Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Negotiation: For eligible first-time offenders facing lower-level felonies, we negotiate for judicial diversion or Community Corrections when the facts and applicable requirements support those options.
Federal Money Laundering Statutes & Potential Penalties
Federal law separates two principal forms of money laundering conduct. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, laundering monetary instruments can carry up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved, whichever is greater, or both.
Under 18 U.S.C. § 1957, depositing or spending more than $10,000 in proceeds from a predicate offense may lead to up to 10 years in prison. A predicate offense is an underlying crime that allegedly generated the funds.
A Section 1956 violation can also carry a civil penalty of up to the greater of $10,000 or the value of the property involved. This exposure is separate from criminal fines and forfeiture, so the cited statute matters when evaluating potential consequences and defense issues.
Built on Integrity, Commitment, and Client-Centered Care
What Sets Addair Law Apart?
Bilingual Representation
We provide legal services in both English and Spanish to ensure clear communication and personalized guidance for every client.
Convenient Virtual Consultations
Access legal support from the comfort of your home with secure virtual consultations, tailored to fit your schedule.
Client-Centered Solutions
Our approach prioritizes your needs and goals, with strategies designed to achieve the best outcomes for your unique situation.
Trusted Local Expertise
With a deep understanding of the law and our community, we’re committed to protecting your rights and advocating for you every step of the way.
Discuss the Allegations Before You Respond
An early consultation provides an opportunity to review the cited statutes, charging documents, and available evidence before you respond to investigators. This review can clarify whether the case is proceeding under state or federal law. Our contact form is available for sharing initial details.
We represent clients throughout Kansas and offer secure virtual consultations.
Call (785) 645-2732 to speak with our criminal defense team about your case.
Asset Forfeiture & Potential RICO Exposure
Federal money laundering allegations can involve asset forfeiture in addition to fines and imprisonment. Asset forfeiture allows the government to seize property allegedly connected to criminal activity, making the property and its relationship to the disputed transactions a separate point of contention.
Money laundering is also a predicate offense that can support a charge under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly called RICO. A RICO charge doesn’t automatically follow every money laundering case. Prosecutors must allege at least two predicate acts of racketeering activity within a ten-year period and connect those acts to an enterprise.
A RICO conviction can carry up to 20 years in prison and forfeiture of proceeds obtained through racketeering activity. When both charges appear, the evidence must be evaluated under the elements of each distinct offense.
