Money Laundering Attorney In Midland

Serious Financial Crime Charges Require Focused Defense

If you are under investigation or charged with money laundering in Midland, you are facing one of the most serious financial crime allegations the government brings. Prison time, heavy fines, and loss of property are all real possibilities, and the choices you make right now matter.

I am a criminal defense attorney who defends people accused of money laundering in this part of West Texas. My practice focuses on cases that involve complex financial records, banking activity, and transactions that prosecutors claim are tied to criminal conduct. I work directly with my clients to understand what is at stake and to build a strategy around their specific circumstances. If agents have contacted you, if you received a subpoena, or if charges have already been filed, you do not have to handle this alone.

You can speak with me confidentially at Eckman Law Firm, PLLC by calling (432) 223-9427.

Facing Money Laundering Charges in Midland: What You Are Up Against

Money laundering charges are different from many other felonies. Prosecutors are not only saying that a crime occurred, but they are also claiming that money from that crime was moved, concealed, or disguised in a way that violates state or federal law. This often involves a detailed paper trail and technical financial concepts.

In and around Midland, these cases often grow out of larger investigations. Allegations can arise alongside claims of drug trafficking, healthcare or insurance fraud, investment schemes, or business activity tied to the Permian Basin energy industry. Agents may spend months reviewing bank accounts, business records, and electronic communications before charges are filed.

Cases that begin here may be filed in Midland County district court or in a federal district court that serves West Texas, depending on how the government chooses to proceed. State and federal money laundering statutes can carry severe penalties. Sentences can involve years in prison, substantial fines, and orders that require you to forfeit money, vehicles, or other property that prosecutors say is connected to a crime. It is common for people in your position to feel confused about how serious the evidence really is. The government may talk about large dollar amounts or long time periods. Part of my role is to break down what the charges mean, what the prosecution still has to prove, and where there may be weaknesses or misunderstandings in their theory.

What To Do If You Are Contacted About Money Laundering

The first contact with law enforcement often happens before anyone is arrested. You may receive a phone call from an agent, a visit to your home or office, or a letter from a prosecutor. You might also be served with a grand jury subpoena without any warning. It is natural to want to “clear things up,” but what you say at this stage can shape the entire case.

Investigators are trained to gather information that can later be used in court. Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong, statements you make can be taken out of context or combined with other evidence in ways you did not expect. I regularly see situations where people talk to agents on their own and later learn that their words are quoted in reports and used to support allegations of money laundering that Midland prosecutors pursue.

There are practical steps you can take right away that protect your position without making things worse.

Key steps if you have been contacted about money laundering include:

• Stay calm and avoid arguing with agents at your door. You generally do not have to answer questions on the spot, and you are allowed to say that you want to talk with a lawyer before doing so.
• Do not destroy, hide, or alter documents, electronic devices, or records. Destroying evidence can lead to separate charges and can damage your credibility with the court.
• Collect and safely store any papers or electronic records that relate to the accounts, businesses, or transactions at issue, so that you and your lawyer can review them later.
• Make a note of who contacted you, the agency they work for, and what they said they are investigating. These details can help me quickly understand the situation when we talk.
• Reach out to a money laundering lawyer Midland residents can actually meet with in person before you decide whether to answer questions or appear before a grand jury on your own.

If charges have already been filed, you may have an initial appearance scheduled in a Midland County courtroom or before a federal magistrate judge. I help clients prepare for these hearings, understand bond conditions, and begin making decisions about how to respond. Early advice can prevent you from making statements or waiving rights in ways that are difficult to fix later.

How I Approach Money Laundering Criminal Defense

Money laundering cases often turn on details that are easy to overlook. My approach is to slow the case down enough to understand exactly how the government is trying to connect specific deposits, withdrawals, transfers, or business deals to alleged criminal conduct. I then look for places where those connections are weak, incomplete, or based on assumptions rather than facts.

In many investigations, agents assemble summaries of bank records, credit card statements, cash deposits, and wire transfers. They may also review corporate documents, invoices, contracts, and emails. I work through the underlying records themselves instead of relying only on the government’s summaries. This helps me see whether there are legitimate explanations, business reasons, or personal circumstances that prosecutors have not considered.

In a typical money laundering case, I focus on several core questions:

• Source of funds. Can prosecutors actually prove that the money at issue came from a specific crime, or are they relying on patterns and suspicion rather than direct evidence?
• Knowledge and intent. Do the records show that you knew about any underlying criminal activity, or were you simply handling funds in the ordinary course of business or family life?
• Nature of the transactions. Were transfers or purchases structured in a way that clearly hides money, or are there lawful reasons for the way accounts and payments were set up?
• Scope of forfeiture. Is the government trying to seize more property than the law allows, including assets that have no real connection to any alleged criminal proceeds?

Every case is different. Some clients face stand alone money laundering counts in the Midland County district court that arise from a single event. Others are pulled into larger federal indictments that involve multiple people and transactions over several years. My goal is to tailor the defense to your specific role, whether you are accused of running a scheme, moving funds for someone else, or simply being too close to another person’s alleged conduct. Throughout the process, you work directly with me. I help you weigh choices such as whether to pursue pretrial motions, how to respond to plea offers, and whether to take a case to trial. I stay focused on protecting your freedom and your future, and I keep you informed so that every important step is made with your input.

Why Work With A Local Money Laundering Criminal Lawyer in Midland

When you are facing money laundering allegations, having a lawyer who knows the courts that may handle your case is not just a convenience. It can affect strategy, timing, and how your defense is presented. I handle cases that arise in Midland County courts and in federal courts that serve West Texas, and I understand the procedures and expectations in those courtrooms.

Prosecutors who handle financial crime cases in this region often have their own approaches to charging decisions, plea discussions, and trial preparation. Because I practice here, I know how cases typically move through these offices and what kinds of issues tend to matter to judges and prosecutors. This local knowledge can help when we are deciding what arguments to raise and when to raise them.

There are also practical benefits to working with a lawyer who is close by. Money laundering cases involve large amounts of paperwork, digital records, and sensitive information about your finances or business. Meeting in person to go over bank statements, business records, and charging documents can make a real difference in how clearly you understand your options. It also makes it easier for us to prepare together for court dates and any meetings with the government.

By choosing a money laundering criminal lawyer, Midland clients can reach without traveling across the state, you gain a defender who can respond quickly to new developments, file documents in the appropriate court without delay, and be physically present with you when it matters most. My clients do not get passed from one attorney to another, and they know who will be standing next to them in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could I Go To Prison For Money Laundering?

A money laundering conviction can result in prison time under both Texas and federal law. The potential sentence depends on factors such as the amount of money involved, any related charges, and your criminal history. I review these factors with you so you understand the range of possible outcomes.

Should I Talk To Investigators Before I Hire A Lawyer?

It is usually safer to speak with a lawyer before talking to investigators. Even honest answers can be misunderstood or used in ways you did not intend. I can help you decide whether to state at all and, if so, how to do that in a protected setting.

Do You Handle Federal Money Laundering Cases From Midland?

I represent clients whose federal money laundering cases arise from investigations in this region. These cases are typically filed in a federal court that serves West Texas. I help clients navigate federal procedures, from initial appearance and detention hearings through motion practice and plea discussions.

How Do You Deal With Complex Bank & Business Records?

I take time to review the underlying records myself, not just the summaries created by agents. That includes bank statements, wire transfer logs, contracts, and business documents. By understanding the details, I can look for lawful explanations and challenge the way prosecutors connect transactions to alleged crimes.

How Much Will It Cost To Hire You For My Case?

Costs for a money laundering defense depend on the complexity of the case, the number of charges, and whether it is in state or federal court. I discuss fees with you at the beginning of the representation, so you know what to expect before you decide how to proceed.

Talk With A Money Laundering Lawyer About Your Case

Money laundering accusations threaten your freedom, finances, career, and reputation. You do not have to wait and worry alone or guess about your next step. A focused conversation with a lawyer who handles these charges in Midland can give you a clearer picture of what you are facing and how to respond.

At Eckman Law Firm, PLLC, I defend people accused of state and federal money laundering offenses that arise in this area. When you call, my priority is to understand what has happened so far, review any papers you have received, and talk through your options. Your consultation is confidential, and you speak directly with me about your situation. If you have been contacted by agents, received a subpoena, or learned that you are under investigation, waiting can make things harder to fix.

Reach out so we can start protecting your rights and planning your defense. Call (432) 223-9427 to discuss your money laundering case in Midland.