Money Laundering

Money Laundering Lawyer in Riverside

Exclusive Criminal Defense for Financial Crime Allegations in Riverside Since 1980

Greenberg & Greenberg has practiced exclusively criminal defense in and around Riverside since 1980. Our team includes former prosecutors who know the Riverside County Superior Court and its personnel firsthand. That background shapes how we approach every case, including money laundering allegations, where the line between state and federal prosecution can shift quickly.

Money laundering isn’t a charge to navigate without focused representation. The financial complexity, the potential for asset seizure, and the real possibility of federal involvement all demand attorneys whose entire practice is built around criminal defense.

If you or a loved one is facing a money laundering investigation or charge in Riverside, contact us at (951) 574-2281. We offer a free initial consultation and return calls promptly.

What California Law Defines as Money Laundering

California Penal Code 186.10 targets transactions conducted through financial institutions that exceed $5,000 within a seven-day period or $25,000 within a 30-day period. The prosecution must also prove either that the defendant specifically intended to promote criminal activity or that the defendant knew the funds were proceeds of criminal activity. Both elements, the transaction threshold and the intent or knowledge, must be established for a conviction.

California treats money laundering as a wobbler offense, meaning prosecutors can file the charge as a misdemeanor or a felony. That decision typically turns on the dollar amounts involved and the defendant’s prior record. A separate statute, Health and Safety Code 11370.9, applies specifically when the funds are tied to drug sales or trafficking.

State Court vs. Federal Court: Where Riverside Cases Are Prosecuted

State money laundering charges in Riverside are filed in the criminal division of the Superior Court of California at the Riverside Hall of Justice. Federal charges are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Eastern Division, located at the George E. Brown, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Riverside.

Federal charges under 18 U.S.C. 1956 and 1957 typically arise when funds move across state lines, pass through federally insured institutions, or connect to what federal law calls a “specified unlawful activity”, a defined category of predicate offenses that can trigger federal jurisdiction. Money laundering allegations frequently accompany fraud or drug trafficking charges, and which court handles the case often depends on how the underlying investigation developed.

Penalties for a Money Laundering Conviction

The consequences vary significantly depending on whether charges are filed under state or federal law:

California misdemeanor (Penal Code 186.10): Up to one year in county jail and a fine up to $1,000
California felony, first offense: A fine up to $250,000 or twice the value of the property transacted, whichever is greater
California felony, subsequent conviction: A fine up to $500,000 or five times the value of the property transacted
Federal conviction under 18 U.S.C. 1956: Up to 20 years in prison per count and fines up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved
Federal conviction under 18 U.S.C. 1957: Up to 10 years in prison for transactions over $10,000 involving criminally derived property, with fines up to $250,000 or twice the transaction value
Federal forfeiture: Property connected to the offense can be seized as part of a federal conviction

Defense Strategies in Money Laundering Cases

Every money laundering case turns on facts the prosecution must prove. Our defense begins by identifying where those facts are weakest.

Challenging Knowledge & Intent
The statute requires either specific intent to promote criminal activity or actual knowledge that the funds were criminally derived. Showing that a defendant was unaware of the source of the funds, or had no intent to further criminal activity, directly attacks an essential element of the charge.

Disputing Transaction Thresholds
If the transactions at issue don’t meet the $5,000-in-seven-days or $25,000-in-30-days thresholds under Penal Code 186.10, the statutory basis for the charge fails. Financial records often tell a more complicated story than the initial allegations suggest.

Financial Institution Involvement
The statute requires that a financial institution be involved in the transaction. When the evidence doesn’t clearly establish that element, it becomes a point of challenge.

Legitimate Source of Funds
Demonstrating that the money came from lawful business revenue or other documented income can directly counter the prosecution’s claim that the funds were criminally derived. This often requires working through financial records in detail.

Unlawful Search or Seizure
Evidence gathered through a search or seizure that violated the Fourth Amendment can be challenged and potentially excluded. In financial crime investigations, where authorities often rely on account records and property seizures, this review is a standard part of our defense analysis.

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I met with Mr. Kenyon and he was so knowledgeable and helpful, especially as he is a prior district attorney so he knows the law from both sides of the table.

- Albert M.
Charles's commitment to our case extended far beyond what we could have anticipated. His hard work and unwavering effort were apparent as he tirelessly fought for justice on our behalf.

- Rosa R.
Throughout the entire process we felt that they were extremely honest with us. They were all so very responsive and we never felt like any of our calls, emails, or questions were being ignored.

- Nick B.
The peace of mind they provided made the entire experience easier to manage. We cannot thank him and the entire firm enough for their guidance and support in such an intimidating time.

- Erin W.

Why Riverside Clients Choose Greenberg & Greenberg

Our boutique structure means you work directly with experienced attorneys throughout your case, not junior associates. Clients get the focused attention that larger firms route to their staff. That matters in money laundering cases, where the facts are dense, the stakes are high, and how a defense is built can determine everything.

We take an aggressive, proactive approach. We don’t wait for the prosecution to set the terms of the case. We work ahead of the process, identify weaknesses early, and pursue every avenue that protects our client’s position. We also understand that a charge like this affects more than the person named in the filing. Families carry the weight of these cases, and we keep that in mind throughout. Complete discretion is standard practice, and everything we handle is treated with strict confidentiality.

Start Your Defense Today

A money laundering charge in Riverside can move toward federal court faster than most people expect. The time to build a defense is before the case solidifies, not after. We offer a free initial consultation, return calls as quickly as possible, and keep you informed at every stage.

Contact Greenberg & Greenberg at (951) 574-2281 to speak with a Riverside money laundering defense attorney today.

Consequences Beyond the Courtroom

A money laundering conviction carries risks that reach well past jail time and fines. In federal cases, asset forfeiture can extend to bank accounts, real estate, and vehicles connected to the alleged offense. That process can begin before a conviction is reached, making the financial impact immediate and severe.

Professional consequences are just as serious. A conviction can put licenses at risk in fields such as finance, accounting, and law. For clients whose livelihoods depend on maintaining licensure, the collateral damage can outlast any sentence imposed by the court.

Federal money laundering investigations often develop quietly over months or years before any arrest or indictment. Financial institution reports, grand jury activity, and interagency coordination frequently precede formal charges. By the time a target becomes aware of the investigation, significant groundwork has already been laid. Early legal involvement can give us the best opportunity to understand what the government has built and respond before positions harden.

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Your Voice in the Fight

Here's What Sets Greenberg & Greenberg Apart

Decades of Criminal Defense

Since 1980, our attorneys have handled a wide spectrum of criminal cases, bringing seasoned judgment and steady guidance to every matter.
Prosecutorial Perspective

With backgrounds as former prosecutors, we anticipate the opposition’s approach and pinpoint case vulnerabilities from the outset.
Direct Attorney Access

Our boutique structure ensures you work one‑on‑one with senior counsel—no handoffs to junior associates.
Clear, Consistent Communication

We return calls promptly, provide regular updates, and lay out each step so you always know where your case stands.

Practicing Exclusively Criminal Law Since 1980 Smart Strategy. Steady Guidance. Take the First Step Forward Today

Have questions? Ready to get started? Call (951) 574-2281 today to schedule a free consultation. We return calls promptly and walk you through every step of the legal process.

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