Money Laundering Lawyer Bergen County, NJ
An accusation of money laundering in Bergen County, New Jersey, can threaten your liberty, your financial standing, and your professional reputation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals facing money laundering investigations and prosecutions in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage, located at 10 Main Street in Hackensack, as well as in federal court when the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey brings charges. Our firm’s founding attorney, Mr. Sris, and his Of Counsel team concentrate on building a prepared defense, examining the government’s financial records, tracing transactions, and challenging the prosecution’s theory at every stage. We serve communities across Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, and beyond. To request a consultation about your matter, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
How Money Laundering Charges Are Handled in Bergen County
A money laundering case can follow two distinct tracks in Bergen County. When the accusation involves a transaction derived from a New Jersey state offense, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office typically pursues charges under , the New Jersey money laundering statute, and the case is heard in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division — Criminal Part at the Bergen Vicinage. When the investigation crosses state lines, involves financial institutions insured by the federal government, or targets amounts large enough to attract federal attention, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey may pursue charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, and the matter proceeds in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in New Jersey state courts and in the federal courts of this district, and he and his Of Counsel team handle both tracks for clients throughout Bergen County.
New Jersey abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act; pretrial release for money laundering defendants in Bergen County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not the ability to post money.
Source: N.J.S.A. Title 2C — Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2017. Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Bergen County is New Jersey’s most populous county and a hub of commercial activity, and its courts handle a significant volume of financial crime matters. The Superior Court of Bergen County sits at 10 Main Street, Hackensack, and operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. To 4:30 p.m. The court’s Criminal Part processes indictable offenses, including money laundering, and Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear there regularly. A well-prepared defense at the state level often involves examining whether the underlying “specified unlawful activity” is sufficiently proven, challenging the tracing of funds, and raising constitutional objections to searches and seizures of financial records. Because New Jersey’s bail reform system does not use cash bail, pretrial detention hearings focus on the Public Safety Assessment score and the arguments presented by defense counsel regarding flight risk and community ties.
At the federal level, an investigation by agencies such as the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, or Homeland Security Investigations may precede an indictment, and the case will be heard in one of the District of New Jersey’s three divisions — Newark, Trenton, or Camden. Federal money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 carry severe statutory exposure, and the United States Sentencing Guidelines often call for substantial terms of imprisonment. The firm’s approach in federal court includes early engagement before indictment, evaluating whether a grand jury target deserves a defense presentation, and analyzing the financial analysis that underpins the government’s case. Mr. Sris’s experience as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how the government builds a money laundering case, and he and his Of Counsel use that knowledge to construct a thorough defense.
Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage Court hours: Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Counsel appearing on criminal matters should plan filings accordingly.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Money Laundering Cases
Defending a money laundering charge requires more than a general familiarity with criminal procedure; it calls for an advocate who understands financial records, the statutory elements of the offense, and the way prosecutors organize their evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach each money laundering case in Bergen County by first identifying whether the government’s theory is grounded in a state or federal statute, then mapping the relevant transactions and the evidence the prosecution intends to introduce. They examine bank records, wire transfer logs, business ledgers, and cryptocurrency wallet data when applicable, often working with forensic accounting attorneys to challenge the prosecution’s narrative about the origin and movement of funds. The defense goal is to expose gaps in the chain of evidence, demonstrate the absence of the required criminal intent, or show that the transactions are legitimate business activity.
The procedural timeline in a money laundering matter varies by court and complexity. In state court, after an arrest or summons, the case proceeds through initial appearance, pretrial conferences, and potential motion practice before trial. In federal court, the Speedy Trial Act governs the schedule, but complex financial investigations can extend the pretrial phase significantly. Throughout that period, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with clients to understand the full scope of their financial dealings, prepare them for any negotiations or trial, and advise on the collateral consequences of a conviction — including professional licensing implications and asset forfeiture risks. The firm does not guarantee any particular outcome, but its documented history of over 4,739 case results across practice areas, with a 93% favorable outcome rate, reflects its commitment to a prepared defense. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., began his legal career as a prosecutor before founding the firm in 1997. His experience as a former prosecutor informs his approach to criminal defense, including money laundering matters, because he knows how charging decisions are made and how financial investigations are structured. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New York, giving the firm a multi-state perspective that can be valuable when a money laundering investigation spans several jurisdictions. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
The Of Counsel team works alongside Mr. Sris on money laundering cases. Each Of Counsel attorney is an experienced practitioner, and together they bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to the firm’s criminal defense work. Results may vary. The firm’s collaborative model ensures that the client benefits from multiple sets of eyes on the financial evidence and from a range of courtroom experience. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel maintain a manageable caseload so that each client receives focused attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is money laundering a state or federal crime in New Jersey?
Money laundering can be charged as a state offense under or as a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, depending on the nature of the transaction and the agencies involved. When the underlying unlawful activity is a New Jersey crime and the transaction is confined to the state, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office typically brings state charges. When the activity crosses state lines, involves a federally insured bank, or is investigated by federal agencies, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey often pursues federal charges. Some defendants face parallel or consecutive prosecutions, and it is essential to have a defense attorney experienced in both state and federal court. For a consultation about your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What are the potential penalties for money laundering in Bergen County?
The penalties for money laundering depend on whether the case is in state or federal court and on the value of the financial transactions. Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 1956 carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years of imprisonment per count. New Jersey law classifies money laundering by the amount involved, and a conviction can result in a term of incarceration, substantial fines, and potential asset forfeiture. In both systems, the court must consider sentencing guidelines, and the specific penalty in your case will depend on the facts, your criminal history, and whether the charge is accompanied by other offenses. Results may vary.
Can money laundering charges be expunged in New Jersey?
Money laundering is an indictable crime under New Jersey law, and expungement eligibility depends on the specific offense classification and your overall record. New Jersey’s expungement statute provides a waiting period of five years for most indictable offenses, but certain serious crimes may be barred from expungement entirely. You may be eligible to petition the Superior Court of Bergen County for expungement once the required time has passed and if you have no disqualifying convictions. Because money laundering is a financial crime, the court will scrutinize the petition closely. To discuss your expungement options, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer if I am being investigated for money laundering?
You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel, and exercising those rights early in a money laundering investigation can be critical to a well-prepared defense. Investigators may interview witnesses, seize financial documents, and issue subpoenas before filing charges. A criminal defense attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf, work to prevent you from making unintentionally incriminating statements, and begin building a factual narrative that challenges the government’s theory. Early engagement by counsel also opens the door to pre‑indictment negotiations that may lead to a reduced charge or a decision not to prosecute. To schedule a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does the bail process work for money laundering charges in New Jersey?
New Jersey abolished cash bail in 2017, so you will not post money to be released; instead, a pretrial detention hearing is held based on a Public Safety Assessment risk score. The court considers the risk of flight, the danger to the community, and the likelihood that you will appear for future court dates. For a money laundering charge, the nature of the offense and your ties to the community are significant factors. A defense attorney presents evidence and legal argument at the detention hearing to seek release on your own recognizance or with non‑monetary conditions. This process takes place at the Superior Court of Bergen County in Hackensack. For legal representation at a detention hearing, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I bring to a consultation with a money laundering defense lawyer?
Bring any documents you have received from law enforcement or the court, any financial records you believe are relevant, and a written timeline of the events experienced to the investigation. This may include the complaint, summons, indictment, grand jury subpoena, search warrant, bank statements, wire transfer confirmations, business records, and any correspondence with government agencies. Do not destroy or alter any documents; doing so can result in additional charges. The more complete your information, the better your attorney can assess the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case. To prepare for your consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Additional locations we serve:
Criminal Lawyer Hunterdon County |
Criminal Lawyer Somerset County |
Criminal Lawyer Morris County |
Criminal Lawyer Monmouth County |
Criminal Lawyer Sussex County
Primary legal sources:
New Jersey Statutes () |
18 U.S.C. § 1956 — Money Laundering |
Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.
Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.