Goldsboro Money Laundering Attorney
Money laundering accusations are not minor financial disputes. They are serious criminal charges that can lead to prison time, heavy fines, and the loss of property or business assets. If you or someone you care about has been contacted by investigators or charged in Goldsboro, you cannot afford to guess about your next step.
At Pittman Agner, we defend people whose lives and reputations are on the line. Our attorneys bring more than 60 years of combined experience to serious criminal matters, including cases that involve complex financial records and alleged illegal transactions. We are based here in Goldsboro and represent clients in Wayne County courts and throughout this part of North Carolina.
When you work with a money laundering attorney Goldsboro residents can reach quickly, you should not be left in the dark. We focus on clear explanations, regular updates, and responsive communication, so you understand what is happening in your case and why.
If you are facing questions or charges right now, you can reach out to our team to talk about your situation in confidence. Call (919) 893-0090 today!
Why Choose Pittman Agner
When you are under investigation for money laundering, your choice of legal team matters. Prosecutors and investigators often spend months reviewing bank records and financial data before you even know you are a target. You need attorneys who understand how these cases are built and who know how to respond with a coordinated strategy.
Our firm brings together lawyers with backgrounds as former prosecutors, investigators, and trial advocates. This team approach allows us to look at your case from multiple angles. Former prosecutors on our team understand how the state may decide what charges to pursue and what evidence they may rely on in Wayne County or in the federal court system. Attorneys with investigative experience know how to analyze financial records, trace the flow of funds, and identify gaps in the government’s theory.
Collectively, our attorneys have more than 60 years of legal experience across criminal defense and related areas such as property law and civil rights. That depth matters when your case may involve asset forfeiture, search and seizure issues, or parallel investigations. Our goal is to use that experience to protect your rights at every stage, from the first interview request through negotiations and, if necessary, trial.
Understanding Money Laundering Charges
To make informed decisions about your defense, you need a basic understanding of what money laundering means in practice. In simple terms, these charges usually allege that someone moved, concealed, or handled money that came from illegal activity, with the goal of making it appear legitimate. The underlying activity might involve drugs, fraud, theft, or other offenses, and sometimes people are accused of laundering funds even when they did not participate in that original conduct.
Cases can arise from many different situations. Investigators may focus on cash heavy businesses, unusual deposits or transfers, use of multiple bank accounts, or transactions that cross state or national borders. Sometimes people are pulled into an investigation because they share accounts, run a business with someone else, or handle finances as an employee. A person in Goldsboro might first learn of a problem when a bank account is frozen, a search warrant is executed, or law enforcement asks for an interview about financial records.
Money laundering can be charged under North Carolina law, and in some situations it may be pursued in federal court. Which court becomes involved depends on factors like where the alleged activity occurred, which agencies investigated, and whether the government claims that funds crossed state lines. Locally, many cases begin in courts that serve Wayne County, although more complex matters may proceed in the federal district that covers this region of North Carolina.
Potential penalties are significant. A conviction may bring a lengthy term of incarceration, financial penalties, and court ordered restitution. In addition, the government may seek forfeiture of money, vehicles, or other property it claims are tied to illegal activity. Beyond the courtroom, a money laundering lawyer Goldsboro residents turn to must also consider consequences for employment, professional licensing, immigration status, and reputation. Understanding these risks is the first step toward planning a defense that protects as much of your future as possible.
What To Do If Under Investigation
Discovering that you are under investigation or have been charged with money laundering is overwhelming. The steps you take next can affect your options later. Acting quickly and carefully can help protect your rights and reduce the chance that you will unintentionally harm your own case.
You may feel pressure to answer questions from detectives, bank personnel, or other investigators. It is natural to want to explain your side or clear up what seems like a misunderstanding. However, statements you make without legal guidance can be taken out of context and used against you. Waiting to speak until you have legal counsel is often one of the most important choices you can make at this stage.
If you suspect you are under investigation, consider these steps:
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer before speaking with law enforcement or providing documents voluntarily.
- Avoid discussing the situation with friends, coworkers, or on social media, since those conversations can be misinterpreted.
- Keep any financial records, emails, or letters you already have, and do not destroy or alter documents.
- Write down dates, names, and details about any contacts you have had with investigators or agencies.
- Gather basic information about your business or employment role so your attorney can understand the context quickly.
When you reach out to a money laundering criminal lawyer Goldsboro residents can meet with, you should be able to get clear guidance on what to say, what to avoid, and what to expect next. At Pittman Agner, we respond promptly to questions, schedule consultations as quickly as possible, and explain in plain English how we can start protecting your interests. Our goal is to step between you and investigators, help manage communications, and give you a plan for the road ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What penalties could I face for money laundering?
Penalties can include prison time, fines, and forfeiture of money or property, depending on the charges and your record. North Carolina and federal laws both allow significant sentences in serious cases. Our attorneys explain the range of possible outcomes in your situation and discuss strategies that may reduce your exposure.
When should I contact a lawyer about an investigation?
You should contact a lawyer as soon as you suspect you are under investigation or learn that charges may be coming. Early involvement allows us to guide your responses, protect your rights, and begin gathering helpful information. Waiting often limits your options and can make it harder to address damaging assumptions.
How will your team keep me updated on my case?
We provide regular case updates and respond quickly to questions, so you are not left wondering what is happening. Clients can communicate directly with our attorneys, paralegals, and staff. We break down developments in plain English and outline next steps, so you understand how your case is progressing at every stage.
Talk With Our Team About Your Case
If you are facing a money laundering investigation or charges in Goldsboro, you do not have to navigate this alone. The sooner you involve our team, the sooner we can begin working to protect your rights, review the evidence, and guide you through the decisions ahead.
At Pittman Agner, we treat every case with the urgency and care it deserves. Our attorneys are accessible, our communication is straightforward, and our focus is on doing what is right for you. We are here in this community, ready to meet with you, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
Call (919) 893-0090 to speak with our team about your situation.