The best money laundering lawyer should be a criminal defense attorney who specializes in laws related to money laundering. It would be ideal if the attorney knew the applicable laws at both the state and federal level, as an individual might be prosecuted for money laundering at both legal levels. A qualified money laundering lawyer should also have a good reputation and be able to communicate effectively with the client.
Money laundering is the act of moving illegally obtained money through money streams until the cash appears to be legal. In the past, most of the focus of money laundering was on money laundered by organized crime. Today, not only are law enforcement agencies concerned about organized crime's money laundering schemes, law enforcement is also concerned about international terrorists' illegal practices.
A qualified money laundering attorney should know the laws relating to this crime inside and out. In addition, the money laundering attorney should have experience working in both state and federal court systems. The lawyer should know how to negotiate plea bargains and how to argue before the judges that the lawyer may encounter. These skills will allow a money laundering attorney to negotiate the court system to get the client the best deal possible, assuming the client is guilty.
It is important to hire a money laundering lawyer who has a good reputation. The lawyer should have a reputation for creativity and the willingness to pursue the best possible solution for the client. In addition, the lawyer should not have had any disciplinary action taken against him by the appropriate state bar association. State bar associations not only issue licenses to lawyers, but they have the authority to discipline member lawyers, sometimes to the point of removing lawyers' licenses to practice law.
While a money laundering lawyer does not necessarily have to be "nice," the lawyer should be able to establish a rapport with the client. This does not mean that the attorney has to agree with everything that the client wants. It does mean that there should be a level of trust between attorney and client.
In addition to getting a qualified money laundering lawyer, the accused may also need a qualified tax attorney. Even though federal money laundering laws were not enacted until the 1970s, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not take kindly when individuals and organizations do not pay their taxes, even on illegally obtained money.