Money Laundering lawyer Arlington County, VA

Under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, federal money laundering charges in Arlington County can result in a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment per count. When the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia brings a money laundering indictment, you need an attorney who understands both the federal sentencing guidelines and the local practices at the U.S. District Court in Alexandria. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced federal criminal defense since 1997. With the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, he represents individuals and businesses facing money laundering allegations throughout Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, and the surrounding Northern Virginia communities. If you are under investigation or have been charged, call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Money Laundering Means in Arlington County, Virginia

Federal money laundering involves conducting or attempting to conduct a financial transaction with proceeds the person knows came from some form of unlawful activity. In Arlington County, these cases are investigated by federal agencies—commonly the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, DEA, or ATF—and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Virginia. Because Arlington is located just across the Potomac from Washington, D.C., its proximity to federal law enforcement headquarters often leads to early and active investigation of financial transactions that cross state or international lines.

The Eastern District of Virginia (often called the “Rocket Docket”) is known for moving cases quickly. An indictment must be returned within 30 days of arrest under the Speedy Trial Act, and trial is generally set within 70 days of indictment, although many motions and procedural delays are common. Sentencing in money laundering matters follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. While the guidelines are advisory, they heavily influence the sentence a judge imposes. The absence of parole in the federal system makes every day of a sentence consequential, and mandatory minimums can apply when the underlying unlawful activity triggers a statutory floor. A money laundering count alone carries up to 20 years imprisonment, plus fines and forfeiture.

A conviction under the federal money laundering statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1956, is punishable by a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment per count.

Source: 18 U.S.C. § 1956. 18 U.S.C. § 1956 on Cornell LII

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled federal matters before the Eastern District of Virginia for residents of Arlington County and the surrounding area. The firm’s documented experience in Arlington County includes numerous case results. In matters the firm has handled there, it has obtained dismissals and favorable reductions. Results may vary.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Money Laundering Cases

From the moment an individual learns they are under investigation or receives a target letter, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to protect the client’s rights. They assess the strength of the government’s evidence, examine whether financial records actually show knowledge of illegal proceeds, and challenge any procedural missteps—such as an invalid search warrant or an improperly compelled statement. Early involvement often allows the defense to present mitigating facts to the prosecutor before an indictment is returned, which can influence charging decisions or open the door to a pre‑indictment resolution.

If the case proceeds to indictment, the legal team prepares for every stage: detention hearing, discovery review, motion practice, and, if necessary, trial. Because money laundering prosecutions frequently rest on complex financial documents, the firm engages forensic accountants and other professionals as needed. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, brings insight into how federal prosecutors construct a money laundering case. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, with their own collective experience in federal court, contribute to a coordinated defense strategy that aims to expose weaknesses in the government’s theory, negotiate a favorable plea when appropriate, or present a compelling case at trial.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. As a former prosecutor, he has firsthand understanding of how the government investigates and charges financial crimes. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York—giving the firm the ability to handle matters that cross state lines, a common feature of money laundering allegations.

Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His legislative involvement reflects a commitment to understanding the statutes that affect criminal practice.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional perspectives to federal defense work. Together, Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel attorneys draw on extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

Our Arlington location is at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209. Consultations are by appointment only. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between state and federal charges?

Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, not the local Commonwealth’s Attorney, and typically carry harsher penalties with no possibility of parole. Federal cases are governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. In the Eastern District of Virginia, the process moves quickly, and the resources of federal agencies like the FBI or IRS are often behind the investigation. An attorney experienced in federal criminal defense focuses on the distinct procedural and sentencing landscape that federal cases present.

How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Arlington County, Virginia?

Federal sentencing at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines—a points‑based calculation using the offense level and the defendant’s criminal history category. Although the guidelines have been advisory since 2005, judges give them substantial weight. Certain money laundering offenses may trigger mandatory minimum sentences, and the guidelines account for the amount of money involved. Factors such as acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance to the government, and the “safety valve” provision can reduce the guideline range. An experienced federal defense attorney can explain how these variables may apply in a particular case.

What should I do if I am facing money laundering charges in Virginia?

If you are facing federal money laundering charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone else. Preserve all documents, emails, and financial records, and do not alter or destroy any potential evidence. Early engagement of counsel allows the attorney to communicate with the prosecutor, evaluate the strength of the government’s case, and explore whether a pre‑indictment resolution is possible. The deadlines and procedures in federal court move quickly, so prompt action is essential.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against money laundering charges?

Defense strategies in a federal money laundering case often focus on challenging the government’s proof that the defendant knew the funds came from an unlawful source or that a covered financial transaction occurred. An attorney may also examine whether law enforcement obtained evidence through a valid warrant, whether the indictment correctly identifies the specific unlawful activity, and whether the transaction falls within exceptions defined in the statute. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys and Mr. Sris evaluate each element of the charge, look for procedural and constitutional issues, and work toward a resolution that minimizes the potential consequences.

What are the penalties for money laundering in Virginia?

Under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, a money laundering conviction carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment per count, plus fines and forfeiture of assets connected to the offense. The actual sentence depends on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines calculation, the existence of any mandatory minimum, the defendant’s role in the alleged scheme, and whether the defendant accepts responsibility or provides substantial assistance. Because there is no parole in the federal system, a person convicted of money laundering will serve a substantial portion of any term of imprisonment.

Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia?

Yes, immediately. Federal money laundering charges are serious, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia actively prosecutes these cases with the resources of federal investigative agencies. Federal practice involves distinct rules of procedure, pretrial detention standards, and sentencing guidelines that differ from state court. An attorney who regularly appears in federal court can navigate these rules, evaluate the strength of the government’s evidence, and advise you on the trusted course of action before you make any decisions that could affect your case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can be reached at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation.

Primary Sources:
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia |
18 U.S.C. § 1956 – Money Laundering

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.