Money Laundering Defense in Charlotte

Decades of Combined Experience for Complex Financial Allegations

Money laundering allegations can arise from transfers, deposits, business accounts, digital funds, property purchases, and other financial transactions. The movement of money between people or accounts doesn’t prove criminal intent. A careful review must address where the funds came from, who controlled them, what each participant knew, and how the transactions allegedly relate to an underlying criminal offense.

We handle both criminal defense and business law matters. This background allows us to examine corporate records and commercial transactions alongside the criminal allegations. Whether you’re responding to an investigation, subpoena, search, arrest, or filed charge, we can help you understand the accusation before you make consequential decisions.

North Carolina Money Laundering Charges Under G.S. 14-118.8

North Carolina General Statutes § 14-118.8 addresses knowing and willful conduct involving proceeds of criminal activity or qualifying funds that, alone or in the aggregate, exceed $10,000. The statute defines transactions broadly, covering transfers through financial institutions and many other exchanges or dealings involving funds or property.

Knowledge is a central issue. To establish the required mental state for conduct involving criminal proceeds, the prosecution must prove knowledge of the nature of the criminal activity that produced them. An association with another person, access to an account, or participation in a transaction doesn’t by itself establish what the accused person knew or intended.

Important parts of the state statute include:

• Source of the funds: The allegations must connect the money directly or indirectly to an underlying felony or another qualifying offense.
• Value of the transactions: Multiple amounts may be considered together when they allegedly form one scheme or continuing course of conduct.
• Knowledge and intent: The circumstances must support the specific mental state required for the alleged violation.
• Law enforcement purpose: The statute provides a defense for conduct intended to facilitate a lawful seizure, forfeiture, disposition of funds, or another legitimate law enforcement purpose under state or federal law.

State and federal money laundering allegations arise under different laws. A financial investigation isn’t automatically a federal case. The governing law depends on the alleged conduct and the charging authority.

Felony Classification & Forfeiture in North Carolina

The alleged value determines the felony classification under G.S. 14-118.8. An offense involving less than $100,000 is classified as a Class H felony, while an offense involving $100,000 or more is classified as a Class C felony. The sentence in a particular state case depends on factors that include the conviction class and the person’s prior record level.

Related proceeds from one alleged scheme or continuing course of conduct may be aggregated to determine the classification. Each violation constitutes a separate offense and doesn’t merge with another violation under the statute. This makes the way individual transactions are identified and grouped especially important.

Property connected to an alleged violation may also be subject to forfeiture, a legal process through which the government seeks property linked to unlawful conduct. The statute reaches property allegedly used or intended for use in a violation, as well as property derived from, maintained by, or realized through one. Depending on the circumstances, an allegation may also affect employment, professional licensing, business operations, immigration matters, and reputation.

Building a Money Laundering Defense From the Records

A meaningful defense review begins with the evidence behind the financial narrative. We examine whether each transaction occurred as described, whether the funds were lawfully earned or received, and whether the evidence supports knowledge of criminal activity. We also consider the accused person’s actual role rather than assuming every account holder, employee, owner, or participant shared the same information or purpose.

Records and issues that may require review include:

• Bank records: Account statements, deposits, withdrawals, wires, checks, and transfers.
• Business documents: Invoices, contracts, ledgers, ownership records, payroll materials, and transaction files.
• Communications: Emails, text messages, instructions, and discussions concerning the purpose or source of funds.
• Digital activity: Electronic payment records, digital currency transactions, device data, and account access information.
• Participant roles: Evidence showing who initiated, approved, received, or benefited from each transaction.

Alternative explanations matter. A transfer could represent repayment, compensation, a gift, a loan, an investment, or an ordinary commercial payment rather than an effort to move criminal proceeds. We organize the records, test the government’s interpretation, and evaluate whether it can prove every required element beyond a reasonable doubt.

If investigators contact you before charges are filed, you don’t have to guess how to respond. Legal guidance can help you address interview requests, subpoenas, searches, and document preservation without assuming that formal charges will follow.

Personalized Counsel With Criminal & Business Law Insight

Jetton & Meredith, PLLC was established in 2009, and our attorneys draw on decades of combined experience. We tailor our approach to the transaction history, alleged underlying offense, financial records, and individual circumstances rather than treating every financial crime allegation alike.

Attorneys at our firm have received Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars™ selections. Our bilingual staff can assist Spanish-speaking clients. Se Habla Español. We also offer evening and weekend consultations, making it easier to discuss a time-sensitive investigation or charge around work, family, and business responsibilities.

Discuss a Money Laundering Investigation or Charge

If you’re under investigation, have been arrested or charged, received a subpoena, or are concerned about financial records connected to a criminal inquiry, contact us. A consultation can clarify the accusation, identify immediate concerns, and determine which records may be important to the defense review. We serve clients in Charlotte and surrounding areas with an approach tailored to the facts of each case.