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Money Laundering Charges and Asset Forfeiture in Los Angeles: What You Need to Know

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on March 15, 2026

Money laundering is aggressively prosecuted in California. In many cases, the government moves to seize assets, freeze accounts, and disrupt financial activity long before a case reaches trial. If you are facing asset forfeiture, you are dealing with two legal battles at once: defending against criminal accusations and protecting what you own.

The experienced Los Angeles money laundering defense lawyers at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP won’t back down to anyone when it comes to protecting your rights, your assets, and your freedom.

What Are Money Laundering Charges?

Money laundering involves financial transactions designed to conceal the origin, ownership, or control of funds linked to unlawful activity. These cases are often built on tracing patterns of financial transactions rather than providing direct evidence of wrongdoing.

Under California Law: Penal Code § 186.10, money laundering charges may be brought when:

• A person conducts financial transactions involving proceeds of unlawful activity
• The total value exceeds statutory thresholds within a specific timeframe

How Asset Forfeiture Fits into Money Laundering Cases

One of the most aggressive tools used in these investigations is asset forfeiture. Prosecutors may pursue asset seizures to cut off access to funds and apply pressure early in the legal process. In many situations, these assets are seized before a conviction, and sometimes before formal charges are even filed.

Assets that are commonly targeted include:

• Cash and bank accounts
• Real estate holdings
• Business accounts and revenue streams
• Vehicles and luxury items
• Cryptocurrency wallets and digital assets

Criminal Forfeiture vs Civil Forfeiture

Understanding the distinction between criminal forfeiture and civil forfeiture is essential when facing these actions.

Criminal Forfeiture:

• Tied directly to a criminal case
• Requires a conviction before assets are permanently forfeited
• Focuses on property connected to the alleged offense

Civil Forfeiture

• Filed as a separate legal proceeding against the property itself
• Does not require a criminal conviction
• Uses a lower burden of proof (often “preponderance of the evidence”)

Legal Thresholds That Prosecutors Must Meet

Despite the aggressive nature of forfeiture, the government must still meet specific legal standards.

In criminal cases:

• Prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
• They must establish that the assets are tied to the alleged offense

Recent Enforcement Trends in Los Angeles

Southern California has become a focal point for financial crime enforcement, with authorities increasingly targeting several types of transactions. These trends highlight the importance of having a defense team that understands both the legal and financial complexities of these cases.

Structured Transactions

Breaking up large financial transactions into smaller amounts to avoid reporting requirements is a common allegation in money laundering cases. But not all structured transactions are unlawful, and intent is often disputed.

Cryptocurrency Investigations

Digital assets are now a major focus. Law enforcement agencies are pursuing cases involving:

• Cryptocurrency exchanges
• Digital wallets
• Blockchain-based transactions

These cases are highly technical and often rely on evolving legal theories.

Business and Real Estate Transactions

Prosecutors are scrutinizing complex financial structures, especially those that involve:

• Layered business entities
• Cross-border transfers
• High-value property purchases

Defense Strategies to Challenge Asset Forfeiture

To defend against money laundering charges, a defense attorney must address both the forfeiture action and criminal allegations. This may require:

• Challenging the Legality of the Seizure. Law enforcement must follow strict procedures when seizing assets. If those procedures are not followed, the seizure may be invalid.
• Disputing the Connection to Criminal Activity. The government must prove that the assets are linked to unlawful conduct. In many cases, this connection is based on assumptions that can be challenged through financial analysis.
• Asserting an Innocent Owner Defense. If you were unaware of any alleged wrongdoing, you may be able to assert an innocent owner defense. This is particularly important in cases involving shared property or business interests.
• Exposing Weaknesses in Financial Evidence. Money laundering cases often rely on complex financial records. A detailed review may reveal legitimate sources of funds, misinterpretations of transactions by prosecutors, and gaps in the government’s analysis.

Why Early Action Is So Important

Time is not on your side when the government is trying to seize your assets. Early legal intervention allows your defense team to:

• Challenge seizures before assets are permanently forfeited
• Preserve financial resources needed for your defense
• Engage with investigators before charges escalate
• Develop a proactive strategy

Protecting Your Rights and Your Future

Facing money laundering allegations and the loss of your assets simultaneously dramatically increases the stakes. A strong defense is not just about avoiding conviction; it is about protecting everything you have worked to create.

You have the right to challenge:

• The legality of the investigation
• The evidence linking your assets to alleged conduct
• The government’s interpretation of financial transactions

Speak With an Experienced Money Laundering Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles

If you are facing money asset forfeiture and money laundering charges in Los Angeles, you need a defense strategy that addresses both the criminal case and the threat to your assets. Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP is prepared to act quickly to challenge unlawful seizures, protect your financial interests, and build a strong defense on your behalf.

Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how these cases are constructed, and we know how to dismantle them.

Do not wait to take control of your situation. Call (213) 688-0460 today to schedule a confidential consultation and begin protecting your future.

FAQs About Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Charges

What is the difference between criminal forfeiture and civil forfeiture in Los Angeles?

Criminal forfeiture is part of a criminal case. It requires a conviction before assets are permanently taken, while civil forfeiture is a separate legal action against the property itself and does not require a conviction.

Can the government seize assets before I am convicted of money laundering?

Yes. In many cases, law enforcement can seize or freeze assets early in an investigation if they believe the property is connected to unlawful activity. This is why it is critical to act quickly to challenge the seizure and protect your rights.

What types of assets can be seized in money laundering cases?

Authorities may target a wide range of assets, including cash, bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, business interests, and cryptocurrency. Any property alleged to be connected to or derived from unlawful activity may be subject to forfeiture.

How can I defend against money laundering charges and asset forfeiture?

Defense strategies may include challenging the legality of the seizure, disputing the connection between the assets and alleged criminal activity, and asserting an innocent owner defense. An experienced attorney can also identify procedural errors and weaknesses in the government’s case.