Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed January 17, 2018
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Money laundering occurs when an individual takes measures to hide the fact that certain money was obtained through criminal activities. The reasoning behind the name is based on the idea that money laundering involves attempts to "clean" the dirty money through a series of transactions to make the money appear as though it was earned legitimately; the goal is it to make it difficult to trace the real source of the income. For example, a drug trafficker purchases gift cards with funds that he earned from selling methamphetamines. Next, he uses the gift cards to buy electronics, which he then sells to a legitimate purchaser. After the purchase is made, the trafficker deposits the money into a bank account for a company that he uses as a front.
Those who engage in money laundering can face charges under both federal and state laws. Additionally, many money laundering charges in Ohio can also include other related charges such as conspiracy, racketeering, especially if the money launderer is involved with organized crime or with other federal crimes.
The chart below provides a summary of laws related to money laundering in Ohio, including links to important code sections.
Statutes and Elements of the Crime |
Money laundering occurs when you participate in the following prohibited actions:
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Penalties and Sentencing |
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Possible Defenses |
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Related Offense |
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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.
Ohio's money laundering laws are complex and often overlap with a myriad of federal laws. If you're facing money laundering charges in Ohio, then you probably want to discuss your case with an Ohio criminal defense attorney who can help explain your options. Find an Ohio attorney near you to get started today.
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