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Money Laundering Defence Lawyers

Facing a money laundering allegation is more than just a legal problem. It can trigger regulatory scrutiny, financial investigations, and reputational fallout that affects every aspect of your life or business.
These cases often involve complex transactions, international elements, and government agencies working together to build their case.

Alberta Money Laundering Charge Lawyers

Are you involved in a money laundering prosecution? Obtaining legal advice at the earliest opportunity is essential. If you are currently being investigated for money laundering (or have already been accused), it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.  

We can help individuals from anywhere in Western Canada and the Northwest Territories. If you’re unable to reach our Edmonton offices for a consultation, we are able to discuss your matter at your convenience via telephone or the online video platform of your choice (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc). Where appropriate, we can also arrange travel to you. Our aim is to ensure that you can access legal advice as easily as possible.

Our group of experienced defence criminal lawyers will work quickly to assess your case and determine the most appropriate actions. 

Money Laundering Offences

An estimated 50% of Canadian crime groups involved with money laundering maintain international links with criminal organizations. Large-scale money laundering is often associated with organized crime groups that use these funds to pursue activities like corruption, fraud, human trafficking, and drug and firearms trafficking.

What is Money Laundering?

Money laundering is a process of disguising the source of money gained by illegal means so that it appears to come from a legal source. Proceeds of crime is often added to other charges because it can be linked to other charges, including tax evasion, fraud and drug trafficking.

Examples of Money Laundering

  • Proceeds of drug trafficking being funnelled into businesses
  • Real-Estate Laundering 
  • Casino Laundering 
  • Bank Laundering 
  • Trade-Based Laundering 
  • Layering 
  • Laundering Money Through Cash Businesses 
 

Anti-Money Laundering Laws in Canada

Over the past few years, the federal government and several provincial have implemented legislative changes to strengthen anti-money laundering regulations. These policies are primarily contained in two statutes: the Criminal Code and the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. 

Provincial legislation provides the police with the power to seize cash and property and refer it to the Provincial Civil Forfeiture departments.  If the police seize cash or property and refer it to civil forfeiture, the onus is on the person from whom the property has been seized to prove that it comes from legitimate sources.  The police have seized cars, cash and houses under the civil forfeiture laws and regulations.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Money Laundering Cases

What can I prove I'm not guilty of laundering money?

To be found guilty of money laundering, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knew the money came from illicit activities and that you intended to make the money appear legitimate.

However, if you processed the money for another organisation or individual, you could still be accused of money laundering. The critical question is whether you were aware or had the necessary knowledge that the money had been obtained from illegal sources. If so, you might be convicted.

However under provincial civil forfeiture laws, the onus is on the person whose property has been seized to prove that the property came from a legitimate source. In addition, the onus of proof that the seized property are from the proceeds of crime is just on a balance of probabilities: a much lower standard of proof.

You must retain a criminal defence lawyer with experience in money laundering prosecutions.

That lawyer may retain a forensic accounting expert to prove that the property, or funds came from a legitimate source.

Quite often police investigators follow the source of funds, seize bank and tax records to illustrate that the suspect does not have a legitimate source of income to possess the funds or property or that it was gained from illegal activity.

The sentence ranges from a fine to a lengthy term of imprisonment.

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Criminal Defence Areas of Practice

Weapons and Firearms Defence Lawyers

Drug Charges Defence

Drug charges are serious, but a well-prepared defence can protect your future. We challenge improper searches, test the evidence, and fight to ensure your rights are upheld at every stage of the case.

Weapons and Firearms Defence Lawyers

Weapons and Firearms Charges

Weapons charges can carry harsh penalties. We provide skilled defence, challenging the legality of searches, possession claims, and the procedures used to lay these serious criminal charges.

Sexual Offences Defence Lawyers

Sexual Offences and Misconduct

Sexual offence allegations require a strategic and sensitive approach. We provide thorough, discreet defence focused on protecting your reputation and ensuring fairness throughout the legal process.

Search and Seizure Defence Lawyers

Search and Seizure Defence

Illegally obtained evidence can be excluded with the right defence. We focus on your rights and challenge searches that violate legal standards or lack proper justification by law.

Violence, Harassment, and Threat Defence Lawyers

Violence, Harassment, and Threat Defence

Assault offences range in severity from minor altercations to violent attacks involving weapons or serious injury. Convictions can lead significant personal and financial consequences. 

DUI and Impaired Driving Defence Lawyers

DUI and Impaired Driving Defence

DUI charges demand precise legal strategy. We examine traffic stop procedures, breath tests, and timelines to protect your license, freedom, and future from serious criminal consequences.

Commercial Crime Defence Lawyers

Commercial Crime

White-collar crime allegations often involve intricate legal and financial issues. We build clear, strategic defences that address complex documents, intent, and professional responsibilities.

Computer and Cyber Crime Defence Lawyers

Computer and Internet Crime

Cyber crime law evolves rapidly and requires technical expertise. We analyze digital evidence, challenge investigatory methods, and defend against internet-related allegations with precision.

Organized Crime Defence Lawyers

Organized Crime

Organized crime charges come with heavy scrutiny and complex evidence. We fight hard to challenge surveillance, association claims, and any overreach in investigations or prosecution tactics.

Regulatory Discipline Defence Lawyers

Regulatory Discipline Defence

Facing professional discipline can be career-defining. We help defend licenses, reputations, and livelihoods with focused strategies that ensure due process and professional fairness throughout.

Bail Hearings Defence Lawyers

Bail Hearings

Timely bail is critical to your defence. We prepare compelling arguments for release, challenge detention, and work to secure reasonable conditions while your matter moves through the courts.

Physical Assault

Assault is considered a serious offence with heavy penalties, including a criminal record, or occasionally, a jail sentence. This can affect you, your family, and your financial future.

Murder Defence Lawyers

Murder

Murder is the most serious criminal offence and if convicted, an accused is liable to a sentence of life imprisonment.

Davidson Gregory - Driving Offences

Driving Offences

Most driving charges in Alberta land in one of two places: a criminal charge under federal law, or a provincial charge under Alberta’s traffic legislation. We prepare every file like it is going to trial.