Defense Attorney Convicted of Money laundering – California Penal Code Section 186.10

According to the Daily Journal, San Jose defense attorney Jamie Harley faces prison and possible disbarment after being convicted on five counts of laundering money for a former client. The prosecution charged that Harley accepted money from former client knowing that it was from the sale of stolen computer equipment. Harley then wrote checks totaling $87,000 back to Pantages from her attorney-client trust account. Harley faces up to 50 years in prison and possible disbarment.

Money laundering is the practice of engaging in financial transactions to conceal the identity, source, or destination of illegally gained money. This is a crime under California Penal Code Section 186.10. The crime is committed when the perpetrator conducts one or more financial transaction through a bank, the money involved in a single or multiple transactions within a seven-day period had a value of more than $5,000 or the money involved in multiple transactions within a 30-day period had a value of more than $25,000, and the defendant did so to facilitate criminal activity or knew that the money were proceeds of criminal activity.

An attorney is considered to have laundered money if the attorney accepted a fee for representing a client in a criminal investigation or proceeding and accepted the money with the intent to disguise or aid in disguising the source of the funds or the nature of the criminal activity.

A conviction for money laundering under California law is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year or in state prison for up to three years on each count. A fine can also be issued for up to $250,000 or twice the value of the property transacted, whichever is greater. Money laundering is also a federal crime. A conviction under federal law will result in more severe penalties.

If you or a loved one is facing a charge of money laundering, it is important to speak with an experienced money laundering attorney. At Wallin & Klarich, our Southern California money laundering attorneys have over 30 years of experience. Our attorneys will defend your rights and zealously fight to get you the best possible result in your case. Call us today at (888) 280-6839 or contact us through our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.