Are You Looking for the Best Collin County Money Laundering Attorney?
If you’re looking for the best Collin County Money Laundering attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. The Saputo Toufexis partnership brings together award-winning attorneys Paul Saputo and Nicholas Toufexis, and we bring the firm’s full resources to bear on every Tarrant County Money Laundering case.
Collin County Money Laundering Attorney FAQs
- How do I get a Money Laundering charge dropped in Collin County, Texas?
- What does a Money Laundering charge really mean?
- How do Collin County Money Laundering defense lawyers beat a Money Laundering case?
- How much does it cost to fight a Collin County Money Laundering case?
- What happens at a Collin County arraignment?
- How can you modify your Collin County bond conditions after a Money Laundering arrest?
- What is the most common sentence for a Money Laundering charge in Collin County?
All of the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense attorneys have dedicated their careers to defending clients in criminal courts. We maintain an unwavering dedication to delivering expert representation, and we represent clients who expect this highest level of legal representation.
We’re not just Collin County Money Laundering lawyers. We are warriors fighting unjust and corrupt government prosecutions with a history of success and a reputation for tenacity, courage and legal ingenuity.
In addition to our notable high-profile victories, our history of success also includes inconspicuous representation of numerous high-profile clients. Indeed, many of our biggest wins involved disposing of these cases quietly and out of the sight of the public. Winning you case requires more than just advocating for you in the McKinney courtrooms. As your Collin County Money Laundering attorney, we advise you on the range of issues you will undoubtedly face throughout the criminal prosecution.
Our experienced team works tirelessly to build a strong defense and protect our clients’ rights. We can provide you with an effective defense strategy for your Collin County Insurance Fraud case. Call us or book an appointment online today.
Contact a Collin County
Money Laundering Lawyer
When you are ready to fight your case with us, schedule online or call us at 888-239-9305 to book a free, confidential consultation.
Choosing The Right Collin County Money Laundering Lawyer Can Make A Huge Difference In Your Case Result
Why would you hire a former prosecutor? Surprisingly, some people believe that former prosecutors provide some special advantage. However, many of these attorneys seem to quickly push clients to a plea deal. If you really want someone who will fight for you or your loved one, get an attorney who has dedicated their life to protecting the accused.
At Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense, we are defense lawyers, first and foremost. We stake our reputation on bringing the fight to the state. We have never worked for the government and never will. Learn more about our team, awards, and some of our victories.
Do you need a Collin County Money Laundering attorney? Call us today at (888) 239-9305 to discuss legal representation.
How do I get a Money Laundering charge dropped in Collin County, Texas?
In order to get a Money Laundering charge dropped in Collin County, you must convince the state that they cannot prove at least one of the elements of the offense as it is defined in Penal Code §34.02.[1] Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Money Laundering, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.
Thoroughly understanding both the Money Laundering statute and related case law contributes to effectively defending you in court. As part of our practice, we publish and regularly update a statutory resource guide covering all Texas Penal Code crimes. We analyze the Money Laundering statute in detail on the Money Laundering offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Money Laundering cases in Collin County.
One such case is Lee v. State.
Lee v. State
In Lee v. State, the Court of Appeals of Texas Fifth District Dallas on September 3, 2004, addressed Wayne Joshua Lee’s appeal from his conviction in Collin County for the felony offense of Money Laundering. The conviction stemmed from a traffic stop where police discovered a large sum of money in a vehicle Lee was traveling in, leading to allegations that the money was obtained through the sale of ecstasy. Lee’s conviction was based on the jury’s finding that he possessed or transported proceeds from criminal activity, specifically drug sales or violating federal currency reporting requirements. Lee contended that his Sixth Amendment right to confrontation was violated due to the admission of his co-defendant’s statement to police that the money was from drug sales, without Lee having the opportunity to cross-examine the co-defendant.
The appellate court agreed with Lee, ruling that the co-defendant’s statement was testimonial and its admission without Lee’s opportunity for cross-examination constituted a violation of the Confrontation Clause. The court emphasized that statements made in response to police questioning after a suspect has been detained are testimonial in nature, and their admission without the defendant’s opportunity to cross-examine the speaker violates the defendant’s constitutional rights. The court decided this error was harmful, as it likely affected the jury’s decision, particularly given the state’s characterization of the statement as its “most damning evidence.”
As a result, the appellate court reversed Lee’s conviction and remanded the case for further proceedings, demonstrating the critical importance of the Sixth Amendment’s Confrontation Clause in criminal trials. This decision underlines the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that defendants’ rights to confront and cross-examine witnesses against them are preserved, particularly in cases involving out-of-court statements that are used as evidence in a trial.
What does a Money Laundering charge really mean?
The general definition of the Texas charge of Money Laundering, according to the Texas Penal Code, is as follows:
(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly:
(1) acquires or maintains an interest in, conceals, possesses, transfers, or transports the proceeds of criminal activity;
(2) conducts, supervises, or facilitates a transaction involving the proceeds of criminal activity;
(3) invests, expends, or receives, or offers to invest, expend, or receive, the proceeds of criminal activity or funds that the person believes are the proceeds of criminal activity; or
(4) finances or invests or intends to finance or invest funds that the person believes are intended to further the commission of criminal activity.
(a-1) Knowledge of the specific nature of the criminal activity giving rise to the proceeds is not required to establish a culpable mental state under this section.
Law Enforcement Agencies in Collin County that Make Money Laundering Arrests
Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of Money Laundering in Collin County. Law enforcement agencies in Collin County that most typically make Money Laundering arrests include:
- The Collin County Sheriff’s Office handles Money Laundering enforcement throughout Dallas County.
- McKinney Police Department – Serving the city of McKinney, the police department provides Money Laundering enforcement within the city limits.
- Plano Police Department – This municipal police department serves the city of Plano by investigating Money Laundering cases within the city’s limits.
- Frisco Police Department
- Allen Police Department
- Murphy Police Department
- Wylie Police Department
- Anna Police Department
- Princeton Police Department
- Farmersville Police Department
- Melissa Police Department
How do Collin County Money Laundering defense lawyers beat a Money Laundering case?
To beat a Money Laundering charge in Collin County, Texas, you must use due process to confront all witnesses and challenge all evidence, which includes disputing reasonable suspicion, probable cause, and all forensic evidence. Winning requires a fight.
Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Collin County Money Laundering attorney, we will look for every avenue to help you. If you want to plead guilty, we must still fight to protect your rights. We want to ensure that the case does not ruin your life. Sometimes the defense strategy requires us to get the best possible result short of a not guilty verdict.
Collin County Money Laundering Attorney Case Defense Strategy
Getting the best result in a Collin County Money Laundering case requires being fully prepared for all hearings and court settings – not just trials. Accordingly, when you hire us as your Collin County Money Laundering attorney, we prepare early and thoroughly. As soon as we get on a case, the Collin County District Attorney’s Office knows that we are getting ready for trial. They know that we are going for an outright acquittal.
But the preparation often starts even before the case begins. From the moment that the police initiate an investigation or make an arrest, we have work to do. If you want to win your case, then we must do our own investigation. The state has police and investigators of their own working for them to gather evidence to support their case. We can’t afford to let their evidence stand uncontroverted.
As a client, you will benefit from the investigative resources of the entire law firm. We have a team of dedicated professionals, including paralegals, investigators, and forensic experts. Our attorneys utilize our team’s extensive investigative experience to perform the ground work that makes our cases strong.
How much does it cost to fight a Collin County, Texas, Money Laundering case?
Attorney’s fees will vary. However, you can expect to pay from $5,000 to $40,000 on average for Money Laundering cases in Collin County. Some Collin County Money Laundering lawyers may charge much more depending on the complexity of the Collin County case. But be wary of lawyers who charge surprisingly low fees.
When consulting with a lawyer, remember to ask whether any any hourly fees apply. Additionally, most lawyers charge extra fees for trial, travel and expenses.
What to Do if Falsely Accused of Money Laundering in Collin County
Even if someone has falsely accused you of Money Laundering, you should nevertheless still always take this charge very seriously. You may think that the state may “drop charges” against you because you are innocent. But absent effective advocacy by a lawyer, the state will often take the case to trial and let the jury decide.
If the state has charged you with Money Laundering, or if you are under investigation for the offense, then you should book an appointment or call us as soon as possible to speak with one of our Collin County Money Laundering attorneys.
How can you modify your Collin County bond conditions after a Money Laundering arrest?
Often times, judges will set your initial bond conditions using standard forms that do not take into account your particular situation. If you need to change your bond conditions, you will need to do so through petitioning the court.
If your case has already been filed, you have to file a motion to modify your bond conditions. If your case has not been filed, you will need to file a writ of habeas corpus. Usually, judges will set a hearing to consider these pleadings. At the hearing, you will need to present evidence and argue why your bond conditions should be modified.
Your Collin County Money Laundering attorney will handle this process.
We often receive requests to modify ond conditions related to travel. In many cases, courts will restrict your travel, but you may need to travel for work or important family members. If you have a good reason to travel, courts will usually allow you to do so.
What happens at a Collin County arraignment?
At your arraignment, a Collin County judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Collin County, you may not have an attorney at your initial arraignment. However, the court will not hear a guilty plea prior to your being represented by counsel. In addition, the court may also set bail and bond conditions if you have not already received them.
If the police have arrested you for Money Laundering, then Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §17.40 requires Collin County judges to “impose any reasonable condition of bond related to the safety of a victim of the alleged offense or to the safety of the community” to secure your attendance at trial. If the state alleges that you violated those bond conditions, then the Collin County Sheriff’s Office can immediately return you to custody. Accordingly, judges have very broad power in determining bail conditions and bond amounts.
What is the most common sentence for Collin County Money Laundering charge in Collin County?
The Texas Penal code outlines the range of punishment for all Money Laundering convictions across the state. The Penal Code classification of the punishment for Money Laundering ranges from a state jail felony to a first degree felony, depending on the value of the funds.
However, the actual punishment you receive will vary significantly based on a number of circumstances, including your prior criminal history and the circumstances of the offense. With this in mind, you can learn about the penalties that apply to all Texas convictions for Money Laundering here. Otherwise, to learn more about what kind of punishment is typical in Collin County Money Laundering cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online.
Furthermore, all good Collin County Money Laundering attorneys will also advise you on the collateral consequences of a Money Laundering conviction. Collateral consequences are penalties derived from convictions that are not necessarily part of the penal code punishment.
About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense
If you want to hire us as your Collin County Money Laundering lawyers, then you should probably get to know us!
The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense Lawyers
Paul Saputo and Nicholas Toufexis are partners at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC and lead the entire trial team at the firm.
Mr. Saputo has practiced throughout Texas in more than fifty Texas state and federal courts and developed groundbreaking innovations in defense strategies and tactics. After graduating from the elite Duke University School of Law, a nationally recognized top-ten law school, Mr. Saputo started his career at Vinson & Elkins. More about Paul Saputo…
Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law. He has dedicated his entire legal career to criminal defense, and has been with the firm since law school. Recently named a partner, Nick has achieved exceptional results in and out of court for years. More about Nick…
Awards
Numerous organizations have awarded Mr. Saputo recognition for his outstanding criminal defense work, for example:
- Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Rating
- Recognized by Super Lawyers®
- Consistently recognized by D Magazine in “Best Lawyers” for Criminal Defense
- Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: White Collar practice area.
Paul Saputo was voted one of the Three Best Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas
Nicholas Toufexis has likewise received many distinctions as well.
- Recognized by Super Lawyers®
- Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: DWI/DUI practice area.
Victories
The Collin County Money Laundering attorneys at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC have obtained hundreds of victories in complex criminal litigation across Texas. Our victories include Not Guilty verdicts by jury acquittals, directed verdicts of Not Guilty, as well as both conditional and unconditional dismissals.
For descriptions and some details about example victories, visit our page on Notable Victories.
Reviews
One example review from a real client:
Nick did a Great job! Was always available and very professional! I would recommend him and this law firm to any and everybody! If you find yourself in bad situation and don’t think you have a way out! Hit Saputo Toufexis Law Firm and they will go to war for you! Thanks Nick I truly appreciate you and my family thank you!
– Real client review posted on the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC Google Profile.
See more client reviews and testimonials here.
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