Money Laundering Attorney in Cook County

Strategic Defense For Complex Financial Crime Charges in Cook County

If you or someone you care about is facing a money laundering accusation in Cook County, you are dealing with a serious financial crime allegation that can affect every part of your life. Felony charges, the risk of prison, and questions about your finances can feel overwhelming.

At The Toney Law Firm, LLC, we help people in Chicago and throughout the county who are under investigation or already charged with money laundering and related offenses. We understand that you may never have been through the criminal court system before, and you need clear information and steady guidance, not scare tactics.

Our firm focuses on criminal defense, and our money laundering attorneys in Cook County work as a team on high-stakes cases. We are led by Attorney Sarah Toney, who also teaches as a professor, and her combination of courtroom experience and academic insight shapes the strategies we use to protect our clients’ rights and futures.

Protect your reputation and your liberty by speaking with a Cook County money laundering lawyer from our firm. Call (888) 473-4058 or contact us through our online form to schedule your free consultation.

Understanding Money Laundering Laws in Illinois

Illinois law governs money laundering under 720 ILCS 5/29B-1. The statute is exceptionally broad, designed to capture any individual who attempts to hide the "paper trail" of funds derived from illegal activity. Our firm scrupulously analyzes the specific statutory theories the state may use to charge you.

A person commits money laundering when they knowingly conduct a financial transaction involving "criminally derived property" with the intent to:

• Promote Illegal Activity: Using dirty money to reinvest in or further a criminal enterprise.
• Conceal or Disguise: Engaging in transactions specifically designed to hide the source, location, ownership, or control of the funds.
• Avoid Reporting Requirements: This includes "structuring" or "smurfing," where large sums are broken down into smaller deposits (typically under $10,000) to avoid triggering bank reports to the government.

A Cook County money laundering lawyer from our firm must also distinguish between state and federal jurisdiction. While Illinois statutes cover transactions within the state, the federal government (under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956 and 1957) may step in if the money crosses state lines or involves a financial institution. 

Courts may also look at whether there is an underlying offense, such as drug trafficking, fraud, or theft, which can increase the potential consequences. We are equipped to handle the dual-sovereignty challenges that arise when both Chicago-based state prosecutors and the U.S. Attorney’s Office take an interest in your accounts.

Penalties of Money Laundering Convictions in Cook County

The penalties for money laundering in Illinois are tiered based on the value of the property involved. These charges are always felonies and carry significant prison time.

Criminal Sentencing Tiers

• Value $10,000 or less: Class 3 Felony, punishable by 2 to 5 years in prison.
• Value $10,000 to $100,000: Class 2 Felony, punishable by 3 to 7 years in prison.
• Value $100,000 to $500,000: Class 1 Felony, punishable by 4 to 15 years in prison.
• Value over $500,000: Class 1 Non-Probationable Felony, which means prison time is mandatory upon conviction.
• Aggravating Factors: If the transaction was specifically designed to conceal property believed to be the proceeds of a specified criminal activity, it can be elevated to a Class X Felony, carrying 6 to 30 years in prison.

Asset Forfeiture

The legal battle often begins before you ever step into court via civil asset forfeiture. Under 720 ILCS 5/29B-1, the state can seize your bank accounts, vehicles, and real estate if they "suspect" they are involved in laundering. You could lose your life savings before you are even charged with a crime. 

Collateral Impact

A conviction for this kind of financial crime can follow you long after the case ends. It may affect your ability to work in certain industries, hold professional licenses, or pass background checks (especially in finance or real estate). This adds an inability to secure credit or bank accounts in the future. For non-citizens, there can be serious immigration consequences if the offense is viewed as involving moral turpitude or aggravated circumstances.

How Our Firm Defends Money Laundering Cases in Cook County

At The Toney Law Firm, LLC, we provide strategic, focused defense for money laundering cases, understanding that your freedom, reputation, and livelihood are at stake. Our team collaborates on serious criminal matters, carefully reviewing charges, evidence, and options to build a defense tailored to your situation. 

Our Cook County money laundering lawyers guide clients through each step of the process, ensuring they understand the legal landscape and can make informed decisions.

• Analyze the Prosecution’s Case: Study the claimed money trail, including deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and business transactions, to identify lawful explanations or weaknesses in the state’s theory.
• Challenge Intent and Knowledge: Review communications, documents, and transaction context to dispute assumptions about what clients knew or intended.
• Evaluate Searches and Evidence: Examine how homes, offices, and electronic devices were searched to ensure constitutional limits were respected and challenge any improperly obtained records.
• Leverage Expertise and Current Law: Combine courtroom experience with academic insight to approach complex financial cases with fresh, effective strategies.
• Guide Clients Through Court: Prepare clients for hearings, explain procedures at buildings like the Leighton Criminal Court Building, and provide support throughout each stage of the case.

What To Do After A Money Laundering Accusation

If you have recently learned of a money laundering investigation or have already been arrested, what you do next can affect your options later. Many people speak with law enforcement, banks, or employers before talking to a lawyer because they want to clear things up quickly. That can create statements that prosecutors may later use against them.

You generally should not answer detailed questions from investigators or discuss your finances without legal advice. Anything you say in these conversations can be taken out of context. Instead, you can respectfully state that you wish to speak with an attorney before continuing, and then contact a money laundering criminal lawyer in Cook County from our firm.

At the same time, destroying or altering records can seriously harm your position. Financial cases depend heavily on documents and data, and attempts to hide materials may be seen as evidence of guilt. It is often better to preserve legitimate bank statements, business records, and communications that may help show what actually happened.

Right after a money laundering accusation, it can help to:

• Write down dates, times, and details of any contact with law enforcement or investigators.
• Gather basic information about your accounts and businesses without changing or backdating records.
• Avoid discussing the details of the case on social media or with people who are not part of your defense.
• Keep any subpoenas or search warrants in a safe place so your lawyer can review them.
• Contact a defense firm promptly so they can start protecting your rights.

At The Toney Law Firm, LLC, we regularly speak with people at this early and stressful stage. We work to step in quickly, review what has already occurred, and help you avoid choices that may limit your options later in the Cook County court process.

Talk To Our Cook County Defense Team

The Toney Law Firm, LLC is a Chicago-based criminal defense firm that represents people facing serious charges in Cook County. Our attorneys work together on strategy, are guided by the leadership of Attorney Sarah Toney, and are committed to careful, hands-on representation during difficult times. 

When you reach out to us, we talk with you about what has happened so far and outline the steps we can take next.

Call (888) 473-4058 or contact us online to talk with our Cook County money laundering lawyer about your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Go To Prison For Money Laundering?

Prison is a possible outcome in felony money laundering cases, but it is not automatic. The specific risk depends on the charges, your background, the amount of money involved, and the strength of the evidence. We review these factors with you and work to pursue options that limit incarceration whenever possible.

What If I Already Talked To Investigators?

If you already spoke with investigators, you should let our team know exactly what was said. Many people talk before realizing the consequences. We review reports and statements, look for ways to place them in context, and then plan how best to move forward in light of what is already on record.

Can My Assets Be Seized In My Case?

In some money laundering cases, the government may try to freeze or seize assets it believes are tied to criminal activity. Whether that happens can depend on the facts and the amounts involved. We examine any forfeiture claims closely and work to protect lawfully owned property whenever the law allows.

How Will Your Team Handle My Case In Cook County?

Our attorneys start by carefully reviewing the charges and financial evidence, then we develop a strategy tailored to your goals. We appear with you at hearings in Cook County criminal courts, explain each step in advance, and keep you informed so you can make thoughtful decisions throughout the case.

How Quickly Can I Speak With A Lawyer?

We work to respond to new money laundering inquiries as quickly as we reasonably can because we know these situations are urgent. When you contact us, we gather basic information, schedule a time to talk with an attorney, and begin assessing how we can help with your specific circumstances.

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