Money Laundering Attorney in Chattanooga

Legal Help When You Are Accused Of Moving Or Hiding Money

Facing a money laundering investigation or charge can upend your life in a matter of days. Bank accounts may be questioned, business records may be reviewed, and you may not know what you can safely say to investigators. As your money laundering attorneys in Chattanooga, Abbott, Weiss, Faith & Darnell, PLLC works to guide individuals and businesses through these high stakes situations with clear advice and focused criminal defense.

At our firm, we understand that many people accused of money laundering believe they were handling legitimate funds or ordinary business transactions. We take the time to understand how your business operates and how your financial records actually work in practice. Our attorneys bring more than 60 years of combined experience in criminal defense and civil litigation, and we use that background to help clients navigate both the criminal case and the financial fallout.

The government is already tracing your accounts. Secure a Chattanooga money laundering lawyer who can interrupt their narrative. Call us today at (423) 264-2206 or reach out online to speak with our highly skilled & knowledgeable legal team.

Understanding Money Laundering Laws in Tennessee

Money laundering in Tennessee is governed by the Money Laundering Offenses Act (T.C.A. § 39-14-901 et seq.). The state defines this crime as knowingly using proceeds from a "specified unlawful activity" to conduct a financial transaction intended to conceal the source, ownership, or control of those funds.

As your Chattanooga money laundering lawyer, we help you navigate the specific tiers of these charges. In most instances, a violation of the primary money laundering statute is a Class B felony. This is one of the most serious classifications in Tennessee, carrying a presumptive prison sentence and massive fines.

State vs. Federal Money Laundering Charges

In Chattanooga, money laundering is frequently prosecuted in federal court rather than state court. Because Hamilton County sits at a crossroads of interstate commerce, federal agencies like the FBI, IRS, and DEA often take the lead.

• Federal Statutes (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956 and 1957): Federal money laundering laws are even broader than state laws. You can be charged for transactions involving as little as $10,000 if the government believes the funds were derived from a "specified unlawful activity" (SUA).
• Federal Penalties: Conviction in federal court can lead to up to 20 years in prison per count and fines of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved—whichever is greater.

Our firm is highly skilled and knowledgeable in both the Tennessee state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. We understand the high-stakes nature of federal sentencing guidelines and work aggressively to keep your case in the best possible jurisdiction.

Penalties of Money Laundering Convictions and Asset Forfeiture in Tennessee

A money laundering conviction in Tennessee is designed to be financially and personally devastating.

Criminal Penalties

• Prison Time: As a Class B felony, you face 8 to 30 years in state prison, depending on your prior criminal record (your "range").
• Fines: Courts can impose fines of up to $25,000 at the state level. Federal fines often reach $500,000.
• Restitution: You may be ordered to pay back the full amount of any "criminal proceeds" involved in the case.

Civil Asset Forfeiture

Under T.C.A. § 39-14-909, the state has the power to seize any property, vehicles, real estate, or bank accounts that were "used in violation of or to facilitate" money laundering. This often happens before you are even convicted. Our firm fights aggressively at the seizure stage to prevent the government from stripping you of your legitimate assets while the case is pending.

Why Work With Our Chattanooga Criminal Defense Team

Choosing the right defense team matters when your freedom and financial future are on the line. At Abbott, Weiss, Faith & Darnell, PLLC, our attorneys offer a combination of criminal defense and commercial litigation experience that is particularly important in money laundering and other financial crime cases.

Our firm’s attorneys have been recognized by respected legal publications. Barry Abbott has been selected to the Super Lawyers list for 2023 and 2024. Joshua Weiss has been named to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list from 2021 through 2025. Brittany Faith has appeared on the Rising Stars list since 2017 and holds a 10.0 Superb Rating from Avvo. Zachery Darnell has been named to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for 2022 and 2023. These honors reflect how our peers view the quality of our work and our commitment to the practice of law.

Because we regularly handle commercial litigation, immigration matters, and real estate disputes in addition to criminal defense, we are used to working with bank records, contracts, business structures, and property issues. That broader perspective can be valuable when money laundering allegations arise out of ordinary business activity or intersect with other areas of your life. 

We are committed to providing honest assessments and realistic expectations, and we work directly with clients to build a strategy that fits their situation and their budget. Clients have also noted that we explain their options clearly, respond promptly, and keep costs as manageable as we can in complex matters.

What To Do If You Are Under Money Laundering Investigation

If you learn that you are under investigation for money laundering, it is important to slow down and act carefully. Early reactions—especially speaking directly with investigators or trying to “clear things up”—can unintentionally create problems or strengthen the government’s case. Taking deliberate, informed steps at the outset can help protect your rights and put you in a better position to respond.

• Avoid speaking with investigators right away. Statements can be misunderstood or used to fill gaps in the government’s theory. It is usually safer to consult a defense lawyer before returning calls, agreeing to interviews, or attending meetings.
• Preserve all financial and business records. Do not destroy, alter, or selectively discard documents or electronic data, as that can lead to additional charges. Keep records intact and note what information exists and where it is located.
• Limit discussions about the investigation. Avoid talking about details with employees, colleagues, or friends unless your attorney advises otherwise, as those conversations can sometimes reach investigators.
• Create a private timeline of events. Document key dates such as account openings, significant transactions, and the development of business relationships. This timeline is for you and your attorney only.
• Get guidance tailored to your situation. An attorney can review any subpoenas, letters, or charging documents you have received and help you plan next steps based on the specific demands of your case.

Our Approach To Money Laundering Criminal Defense Chattanooga

When handling a money laundering or financial crime case, we start by listening and learning how your business actually operates. We examine your role, the government’s allegations, and how they compare to day-to-day reality. From there, we carefully review indictments, complaints, and discovery materials to understand the evidence prosecutors rely on and where their theory may fall short.

Because money laundering cases are built on paper trails and digital footprints, they require a defense that is as technical as the prosecution. Abbott, Weiss, Faith & Darnell, PLLC provides a highly skilled & knowledgeable approach:

• Forensic Accounting: We work with expert accountants to trace the flow of funds and prove that "commingled" accounts contain legitimate, non-criminal income.
• Challenging "Constructive Knowledge": The government often tries to argue you "should have known" the money was illegal. We dismantle this by highlighting the complexity of the transactions and your lack of involvement in the underlying "unlawful activity."
• Suppression of Evidence: Many money laundering cases begin with an overbroad search warrant or an illegal wiretap. We scrutinize the Fourth Amendment implications of how the government accessed your financial records.
• Negotiating with Federal Entities: If the evidence is strong, we use our reputation as formidable trial lawyers to negotiate for reduced charges or "pre-trial diversion" programs that can protect your professional licenses.

Talk With Our Money Laundering Lawyer in Chattanooga

If you are under investigation or have been charged in Chattanooga or the surrounding region, we are ready to talk with you about your options. We strive to provide honest assessments, realistic expectations, and a strategy that takes into account both the legal case and the practical realities you are facing. You can reach us to schedule a confidential consultation and start getting answers to your questions.

To speak with our team about your situation, call (423) 264-2206 or reach out online now.