Money Laundering

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Money Laundering

Money laundering is one of a number of financial or white-collar crimes –and is an offence in which money coming from illegitimate origins is legitimised.

Prosecutions for money laundering are brought under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and may involve one or more of three different processes:

• Placement – the process of moving money from criminal origins into the financial system.
• Layering – the process of moving money in the financial system through a series of complex transactions which may include offshore companies.
• Integration – the process by which the proceeds of crime are filtered into the legitimate economy via investments (eg property investment).

The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) creates three different offences involving money laundering, via different sections of the Act, including charges which may be brought against individuals for money laundering, those who assist in money laundering and criminal gangs involved in money laundering.

Financial institutions have a legal duty to advise the authorities if they believe a client may be involved in money laundering – and any allegation of money laundering requires expert legal advice from a solicitor with expertise in defending money laundering or business fraud cases.

The penalties for a money laundering conviction include a jail term of up to 14 years – and a Confiscation Order under the Proceeds of Crime Act will most likely apply if a conviction is obtained.

Conviction will rely on the prosecution proving that any property involved in money laundering is criminal property – and Duncan Lewis can arrange for expert witnesses such as auditors to examine the details of any financial transaction(s) subject to allegations of money laundering to help build up a defence of the charges.

Duncan Lewis has extensive experience in defending charges involving money laundering and financial crimes – as well as expertise in cases involving cross-border financial crime and multi-agency investigations involving the City of London Police, Serious Fraud Office, National Crime Agency, Financial Conduct Authority and other investigating or regulatory bodies.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Our reputation for excellence

The Duncan Lewis Crime Department is ranked in Legal 500 2014 for its General Crime and White Collar Fraud Work.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers have acknowledged expertise in case building based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system – and the ability to assemble compelling evidence and documentation in criminal cases involving money laundering allegations.

Duncan Lewis represents clients at Police Stations, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, and at Appeal Courts such as the Court of Appeal – and has highly experienced Higher Court Advocates with a background in conducting serious matters such as financial crime, business fraud, murder and rape.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – When to contact us

Clients do not have to wait until they have been arrested to contact Duncan Lewis about any criminal charges – our team can advise from the initial stages of a police inquiry, or if it is likely a client may be arrested to face a criminal charge involving money laundering.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can also advise on Civil Liberties matters such as wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and prisoners’ rights in custody – as well as advising on appeals against conviction or sentencing for money laundering.

All Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors are highly trained and highly experienced – and are dedicated to offering the best criminal defence services to our clients at police stations, courts and prisons.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – How to contact us

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – including more than 20 offices across London and the southeast and in all major cities across England and Wales.

A member of the Duncan Lewis criminal defence team can usually reach a client at a police station or court within 45 minutes to offer expert legal advice on all criminal charges and for police interview under caution.

We aim for the best possible outcome for clients facing charges relating to money laundering – call Duncan Lewis any time on 020 7923 4020 for expert legal advice.

For 24/7 help at a police station in England and Wales, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Legal Aid & Private Client –Money Laundering

Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid criminal defence services –Legal Aid is means tested and may only be available in certain circumstances.

Duncan Lewis can advise further on Legal Aid at the initial client meeting.

In cases where a client may not be eligible for Legal Aid, Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors offer competitively-priced fee levels for private client representation – with fixed fees and advance notice of any costs whenever possible.

In some criminal cases, after the event insurance may be an option and Duncan Lewis will advise on an appropriate level of insurance to cover the potential costs of defending a criminal case and to pay any costs imposed by the court.

Call Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors to discuss money laundering charges on 020 7923 4020.