Violations Of The Bank Secrecy Act

Orlando White-collar Criminal Defense Lawyers

One of the cornerstones of our system is that a person should not be convicted of a crime unless the person knew that he or she was breaking the law. Nevertheless, our banking regulations and statutes say that two deposits of $6,000 are made on consecutive days, a felony has been committed. Even if the money was lawfully earned. Even if no tax evasion of any kind has occurred.

Now you need an Orlando criminal defense lawyer experienced in complex banking and financial investigations.

The crime, defined by the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, is called structuring. Banks must report any deposit or withdrawal over $10,000. Any "suspicious" behavior, such as the two $6,000 deposits in two days, must also be reported.

It can be catastrophic for individuals to be reported in this way. It can lead to IRS audits, investigations, and indictment. Many individuals imagine that simply dividing up (structuring) large sums will escape reporting. This is not true, and it often signals "suspicious" activity.

When Depositing Money into Your Bank Account Is a Criminal Act

Many of our clients at the Law Offices of Horwitz & Citro, P.A., come to us with this problem. Ordinary, legally earned money deposits led to frightening investigations. They had no idea that what they were doing was illegal or would trigger federal scrutiny. Our job as defense counsel is to make this simple point that people who do not know an action is illegal should not be charged with a crime.

If you are in this situation, we invite you to meet with Mark Horwitz and/or Vince Citro to discuss your legal options. Board certified in criminal trial law by The Florida Bar and by the National Board of Trial Attorneys, Mark and Vince have the knowledge, the skills and the experience to successfully see you through this difficult time.

Contact the Law Offices of Horwitz & Citro, P.A., in Orlando, Florida at (407) 901-5852.