Money Laundering Defense Lawyer in Jacksonville
Former Prosecutor Defending Financial Crime Charges Across Northeast Florida
A money laundering investigation doesn’t wait for formal charges. By the time law enforcement makes an arrest, investigators may have already reviewed months of financial records, analyzed transactions, and questioned associates. At McCormick Law, we represent individuals facing state and federal financial crime charges across Northeast Florida. Attorney McCormick is a former prosecutor with more than a decade of experience who understands how these cases are built from the inside out.
State-level charges are prosecuted by the Duval County State Attorney’s Office. Federal cases in the Jacksonville area go to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Retaining defense counsel before charges are formally filed can affect how investigators approach subpoenas, document requests, and interviews. We offer free initial consultations with 24/7 availability, including evenings and weekends. ¡Hablamos español!
If you’re under investigation or have been charged, call (904) 353-0436 or reach out online for a free consultation. 24/7 availability. ¡Hablamos español!
Florida Money Laundering Laws & Felony Tiers
Florida Statute §896.101 defines money laundering around three criminal intentions: promoting unlawful activity, concealing the proceeds of criminal conduct, and structuring transactions to avoid state reporting requirements. Prosecutors don’t need to prove the defendant committed the underlying crime. They only need to show that the defendant conducted a financial transaction knowing the funds came from criminal activity.
Felony Classification by Transaction Value
Florida treats money laundering as a felony offense at every level. The classification depends on the total value of transactions conducted within a 12-month period. That lookback window matters because prosecutors can aggregate multiple smaller transactions to reach a higher felony tier.
The three classification levels under Florida law:
- Exceeding $300 but less than $20,000: Third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
- $20,000 to less than $100,000: Second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- $100,000 or more: First-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Florida courts can also impose fines of up to twice the value of the laundered transactions on top of statutory maximums. In high-value cases, that financial exposure alone can be devastating.
When Federal Charges Apply
Federal prosecutors can step in when alleged transactions cross state lines, involve a federally insured financial institution, or affect interstate commerce. Federal charges typically arise under 18 U.S.C. §1956, which covers concealment, promotion, structuring, and tax evasion, and 18 U.S.C. §1957, which targets transactions over $10,000 derived from specified unlawful activity. Federal sentences follow mandatory guidelines and carry a minimum service requirement of 85% of the imposed sentence. In some cases, state and federal charges can proceed simultaneously for the same underlying conduct.
Five-Star Reviews See What our Clients Have to Say
Russell B. McCormick Focuses on You, and It Shows in Our Reviews
Read through some of our recent five-star client testimonials below, or call (904) 353-0436 get started with our attorney today.
-
"Five stars doesn’t even do his firm justice!"
Mr. McCormick is an outstanding attorney. He was very thorough in every detail of my case, which ultimately led to the dismissal of all charges in my situation. Not only is he very communicative about every aspect, but shows great integrity and loyalty. He even called after hours when it was necessary. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about his work. I would 100% recommend him as an exceptionally excellent attorney. His staff is wonderful and kind as well, and available to help with any questions or concerns you may have.
Five stars doesn’t even do his firm justice!
- Arlene S. -
"Now I can get back to living instead of worrying. I cannot begin to explain the weight that has been lifted."I appreciate all of your efforts and support. It has been a very trying time and I am extremely grateful. I cannot begin to explain the weight that has been lifted. Now I can get back to living instead of worrying. My young adults are my life and they all are beautiful beings with loving hearts. Thank you again and thank the ladies in your office Dorothy and Brandi. Two very professional and very kind ladies. And please thank Luke for me also. Very kind. May God Bless you all. Take care.
-
"Russell B. McCormick was very direct and upfront about everything, laying out all the options available to me."A friend who went through a similar situation recommended me this Law Office. I was a bit nervous about talking to a lawyer since it was my first time having to need one. Russell B. McCormick was very direct and upfront about everything, laying out all the options available to me. He was also quite accommodating with my work schedule and kept me up to date with anything that came up or that I needed to do. I’m so grateful he was able to reduce my charge, with the eligibility of getting it sealed later on.- Kevin
-
"Russell is Amazing!"Russell is Amazing! He handled my son’s case with such professionalism all while having a very calm demeanor. His hard work granted the best results for my son, and we are more than pleased. And I can’t leave out Dorothy! It was a pleasure speaking with her when calling the office Every Time.She was always sweet and made sure to answer any concerns that we had.. Overall I give Russell and his team a A+.. I highly recommend..- Meka B.
-
"They were knowledgeable and straight to the point"This firm was well worth it , they were knowledgeable and straight to the point and actually got the job done . Also they respond back to you in a timely manner . I am very appreciative for their service. Now I can move forward in life . Thanks- Deven R.
-
"Highly recommend Russell McCormick."Highly recommend Russell McCormick. Upon calling he immediately went to work on my case. He clearly communicated the process and walked me through any questions I had. He was also able to get my sentencing talked down and made the process as painless as it could be. I am so glad he was referred to me!- Rachel B.
-
"Russell cares and he knows the system. the outcome of my case far surpassed my expectations."Russell was great! this is the second time I have used him and i have to say, I'm impressed. Russell cares and he knows the system. the outcome of my case far surpassed my expectations. I would recommend Russell McCormick to anyone needing legal counsel. After finding Russell, I will never use anyone else for my legal needs!- Luke F.
-
Called the McCormick office in trouble, with my freedom on the line. Russell answered the phone himself and confirmed he took on my type of cases. He took my information down and we scheduled a consultation. When I arrived for my consultation, he already had the information about my case,and a plan to come to my defense, already in tow! That made me confident in hiring Russell. However, my case had gotten thrown out (unbeknownst to me) and even though I paid the retainers fee, he sent me a refund.In reality he could have kept it. That right there is why he'll forever be my go to attorney if I needed one. Ready to defend and honest when need be. I appreciate him and Ms Dorothy and highly recommend. Thanks again!- Jones
Why Clients Choose McCormick Law for Money Laundering Defense in Jacksonville
People facing money laundering charges in Jacksonville turn to Attorney McCormick because he has spent more than a decade working within the same criminal justice system that now has clients in its crosshairs. His background as a former prosecutor means he knows how financial crime cases are investigated, how charging decisions get made, and where the government’s evidence tends to be weakest.
- Former Prosecutor Perspective: Attorney McCormick has firsthand knowledge of how the Duval County State Attorney’s Office and federal prosecutors approach white collar criminal cases. That background shapes how we build every defense strategy.
- Direct Attorney Involvement: Clients work with Attorney McCormick from the initial consultation through final resolution. There are no handoffs to associates or support staff on the substance of your case.
- Thousands of Cases Handled: We’ve handled thousands of cases across a range of criminal matters, building practical familiarity with the scenarios that arise in financial crime defense.
- Accessible When You Need It: We offer 24/7 availability, evening and weekend appointments, and off-site meeting options so that legal support fits your circumstances, not the other way around.
- Free Consultations and Payment Plans: We offer free initial consultations and payment plans to make quality legal representation manageable from the start.
- Local System Knowledge: Attorney McCormick knows Jacksonville’s local judges, courtroom procedures, and how cases move through the system here. That knowledge informs how we approach negotiations and trial preparation.
Contact a Money Laundering Defense Attorney in Jacksonville Today
The earlier you involve a defense attorney, the more options you have. Talking to investigators before speaking with a lawyer can create problems that are difficult to undo. If you or someone you know is facing charges or an active investigation, contact our office for a free consultation with Attorney McCormick and get a clear picture of where things stand.
Call (904) 353-0436 to discuss your situation and start building a defense strategy with a former prosecutor who knows how the other side thinks.
