Law enforcement can use Health and Safety Code Section 11370.9: Money Laundering for Drug Sales in California to prosecute individuals accused of laundering money gained from the sale of illicit drugs.
California treats HSC 11370.9 seriously, with convictions potentially resulting in fines, jail time, and other penalties. You can learn more about this charge, other California Health and Safety Codes, and potential defenses from a legal professional.
Basic Information About HSC 11370.9
CA Health and Safety Code Section 11370.9 HSC: Money Laundering for Drug Sales in California allows the legal system to prosecute individuals accused of a complex wrongful act. These charges require the prosecution to prove:
Movement of Money or Property
HSC 11370.9 charges can apply to anyone accused of receiving, acquiring, or engaging in a transaction involving money or property that came from a controlled substance offense. Controlled substance offenses can include crimes like:
- CA Health and Safety Code Section 11351 HSC: Possession for Sale of a Controlled Substance
- CA Health and Safety Code Section 11352 HSC: Sale or Transportation of a Controlled Substance
- CA Health and Safety Code Section 11360 HSC: Selling Marijuana
Note that HSC 11370.9 charges should only apply if an individual stands accused of laundering over $25,000 within a single 30-day period.
The Defendant’s Intent
An individual should only face charges under HSC 11370.9 if the prosecution can establish that they engaged in wrongful behavior with the intent to disguise or conceal the control, ownership, or source of money obtained through a drug offense.
Penalties for a HSC 11370.9 Conviction
An individual convicted under HSC 11370.9 can face harsh penalties. The penalties for this charge will vary based on the severity of the offense.
Misdemeanor HSC 11370.9 Penalties
An individual convicted of a misdemeanor HSC 11370.9 violation can face up to a year or time in county jail and fines of up to $1,000. An individual may also spend time on probation after a conviction.
Felony HSC 11370.9 Penalties
A felony conviction for HSC 11370.9 can result in up to four years of incarceration in a state prison and fines. The fines for this offense can reach $250,000 or double the amount allegedly laundered. The court will choose whichever amount is greater as a penalty.
The accused may also face probation for a felony conviction.
Potential Defenses for HSC 11370.9 Allegations
A criminal defense attorney can build several defenses to handle CA Health and Safety Code Section 11370.9 HSC: Money Laundering for Drug Sales in California allegations. Some common defenses involve showing that a defendant:
Had No Knowledge About the Source of the Money
The court should only convict someone under HSC 11370.9 if the prosecution can prove that the money they laundered came from a drug offense. However, individuals can still face money laundering charges if a lawyer uses this defense.
Made No Attempt to Conceal or Hide Money
Individuals should only face a HSC 11370.9 conviction if they intentionally acted to hide funds generated through a drug crime. Using money from drug crimes in other ways may not lead to a HSC 11370.9 conviction, but could result in other charges.
Laundered Less Than $25,000
HSC 11370.9 charges should only apply in situations where someone stands accused of laundering over $25,000 in a set period of time. An attorney may argue that the defendant laundered a lesser amount to avoid these charges, though other criminal allegations may apply.
How Lawyers Resolve HSC 11370.9 Charges
Criminal defense lawyers can use several strategies to handle HSC 11370.9 accusations. Depending on a client’s situation, they may focus on:
Having the Charges Reduced
The prosecution may offer a plea deal when dealing with money laundering for drug sales charges in some situations. A plea bargain requires the defendant to admit fault for a less serious charge in exchange for reduced penalties.
An attorney can read over the terms of the deal to ensure it represents the best choice for their client.
Having the Charges Dropped
In some cases, a defense lawyer can motion the court to drop HSC 11370.9 charges. The court may agree to dismiss the charges if the prosecution lacks evidence or if law enforcement violated the rights of the defendant during the legal process.
Fighting the Charges in Court
An attorney can also aggressively represent a client in court after an arrest for money laundering for drug sales. In this situation, a lawyer will work tirelessly to secure a verdict in their client’s favor.
Talk to a Legal Professional About HSC 11370.9 Accusations
You can learn more about CA Health and Safety Code Section 11370.9 HSC: Money Laundering for Drug Sales in California charges from a criminal defense lawyer. An attorney can review your situation, answer your questions, and get to work on your defense.
Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can help you get in touch with an experienced attorney who can provide the dedicated support you need. You can contact us now to take charge of your legal situation.
