Colorado Money Laundering Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 09, 2018
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
Money laundering is a term you may have heard in the movies or on television, but what does it really mean? Does it mean a little backroom organized crime action à la 1920’s mobster Al Capone who used local laundries to cover up his profits from gambling, racketeering, and bootlegging? Sure, that is one example of money laundering, but more specifically it is the process of converting funds derived from illegal activities into spendable or consumable form. Colorado money laundering laws impose harsh penalties for those who attempt to cheat the system for whatever reason, whether to hide assets, evade tax laws, or increase one’s business profits. Below you will find key information about money laundering laws, penalties, and associated crimes.
Money Laundering Defined
Money laundering is a form of fraud and financial crime. It involves taking unlawfully obtained money and integrating it through lawful businesses so it appears to come from a lawful source. Essentially it is a crime that involves transferring money derived from almost any criminal activity into seemingly legitimate channels in an attempt to hide the origin of the funds. Examples of criminal activities include:
- Organized crime
- White-collar crimes
- Terrorist activities
- Drug transactions
- Prostitution and human trafficking rings
Colorado Money Laundering Laws Overview
The charges and penalties under Colorado’s money laundering laws are detailed below. Keep in mind; you can also be prosecuted under federal money laundering statutes depending on the nature of your case and whether your alleged activities crossed state lines.
Statutes |
|
Penalties |
|
Federal Money Laundering Statutes |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Colorado Codes and Supreme Court Decisions
Additional Resources
If you have additional questions about Colorado’s money laundering laws, click on the following links:
Facing Money Laundering Charges? A Defense Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a violation of Colorado’s money laundering statute, remember that you can also be charged with several associated crimes. It is wise to get a legal advice from a Colorado criminal defense attorney to understand what penalties you are facing including possible prison time and more. Start the process today by contacting a Colorado defense lawyer near you.
Was this helpful?
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.