Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Money laundering

How much time could a minister of a church get if he was involved laundering drug money through his church organization via building funds for a new facility?


Asked on 2/10/01, 3:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Victor Hobbs Victor E. Hobbs

Re: Money laundering

Lots of time.

The sentence exposure would depend on whether the matter was handled by the Feds (and it probably will be) or by the State. They both could prosecute under different penal or criminal statutes. However, the new Federal sentencing guidelines are very severe. And just being involved with the money is still a very high profile position in the conspiracy to import illegal drugs. This isn't a street addict using the drug, who is as much a victim as a criminal.

My semi-educated guess is that the sentence exposure is 5 to 10 years, and possibly longer.

Being a member of the clergy might even be used to enhance the sentence. Since this is a violation of the position of trust in the community. This factor could go both ways.

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Answered on 3/22/01, 6:12 am


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