Money Laundering Defense Attorney San Diego

By Jason Ronis, Criminal Defense Attorney · CA Bar #229628
Updated November 2026

What Is Money Laundering? A Plain-English Definition for San Diego Residents

Money laundering means moving, spending, or hiding money that came from a crime so it looks legal. Prosecutors often describe three steps: putting dirty money into the system (like a cash deposit), moving it around to hide the trail, and then using it as if it were clean (like buying a car or a house). You can be charged under federal law, California law, or both. You do not have to be the person who committed the first crime.

Money Laundering Laws We Defend in San Diego: Federal and California Charges

Fines and forfeiture can apply too. Your real exposure depends on the facts and the federal sentencing guidelines. See our focused pages on money laundering charges and 18 USC 1957.

The Hobbs Act and Money Laundering: How Robbery, Extortion, and Laundering Charges Connect

The Hobbs Act (18 USC 1951) is the federal robbery and extortion law. Federal law lists Hobbs Act crimes among the crimes whose money can support a laundering charge. So if the government says cash came from a robbery or an extortion scheme, spending or moving it can add money laundering counts. Learn more about Hobbs Act and conspiracy charges.

How Money Laundering Cases Start in San Diego

• A drug, fraud, or Hobbs Act investigation that follows the money.
• A border or airport cash seizure. See {a('cash','airport cash seizures')} and {a('border','border arrests')}.
• A bank alert after large or unusual deposits.
• An undercover sting where agents pose as criminals.
• A cash business or a money transfer service that gets audited.

What the Government Must Prove in a Money Laundering Case

1. You did a money transaction or moved money.
2. The money came from a crime listed in federal law.
3. You knew it came from some crime.
4. For 18 USC 1956: you meant to promote the crime, hide the money, or avoid a report. For 18 USC 1957: the amount was more than $10,000.

Structuring and Cash Reporting: Why Splitting Deposits Can Be a Crime Even With Clean Money

Banks report cash deposits over $10,000. That report is routine and not a crime. But structuring, meaning breaking up deposits to avoid the report, can be a crime even if the money is legal. Carrying more than $10,000 across the border also must be reported. If you are unsure, ask a lawyer before you deposit or travel with cash.

Frozen Bank Accounts, Seized Cash, and Forfeiture in Money Laundering Cases

How We Defend Money Laundering Charges in San Diego

• You did not know. Honest ownership defeats the knowledge element.
• The money was clean. We trace it with bank, business, and tax records.
• Mixed funds. The government must still prove the amount that was dirty.
• No crime behind the money.
• No intent to hide. In Cuellar v. United States (2008), the Supreme Court said that hiding cash during transport is not enough by itself. The goal must be to conceal.
• Structuring. You did not know the rule, or did not mean to avoid it.
• Illegal searches or improperly obtained bank records.
• Stings. Entrapment can apply if agents pushed you.
• Better outcomes. Fewer counts, no forfeiture, a smaller role.

Money Laundering Penalties and Sentencing in Federal Court

Judges use the federal guidelines. In general, the sentence starts from the crime behind the money and adds levels for laundering. Fines and forfeiture can be added. For non-citizens, a laundering conviction over $10,000 can be an aggravated felony, which can lead to deportation. Read immigration risks of a drug conviction and ask us about yours.

What Happens in a Federal Money Laundering Case in San Diego

1. Arrest, search warrant, or summons.
2. First court date within about a day of an arrest.
3. Detention hearing. A judge decides if you go home.
4. Indictment, usually within 30 days.
5. Motions, plea talks, or trial.
6. Sentencing.

Federal cases in San Diego are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, at 333 W. Broadway. See what happens after a federal arrest and getting someone out of jail.

What to Do If You Are Under Investigation, Got a Target Letter, or Your Bank Closed Your Account

A target letter or grand jury subpoena means the government is looking at you. Do not respond on your own. Do not move money to “protect” it. Keep every record and call Jason Ronis.

Why Choose Jason Ronis Law for Money Laundering Defense in San Diego

• 20+ years in San Diego courts and a federal-court practice.
• You talk to a real attorney, free, day or night.
• English and Spanish. We check translations of Spanish records and calls.
• Cross-border awareness. We know how border and bank cases work here.

No lawyer can promise a result. We promise clear answers and hard work. Related: narcotics conspiracy defense, drug conspiracy, and drug trafficking defense.