Greenville Money Laundering Lawyer

State & Federal Defense Built on Real South Carolina Courtroom Experience

Money laundering investigations often begin quietly. An account freeze, a subpoena, or an unannounced visit from federal agents may be the first sign you’re under scrutiny. By the time formal charges are filed, investigators have typically been building their case for months. If you or your business is facing money laundering allegations in Greenville, South Carolina, early legal intervention can make a critical difference. Attorney Thomas Adducci represents individuals and businesses at both the state and federal level, bringing direct courtroom experience from South Carolina’s own courts to every case we handle.

Before founding this firm, Attorney Adducci served as a public defender in Greenville, Laurens, and Greenwood counties. That background means he understands how these cases move through local courts, how prosecutors build their arguments, and where defenses can take hold. We offer free consultations, are available 24/7, and serve clients in both English and Russian.

Call Thomas J. Adducci Law Firm today at (864) 479-4973 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Greenville money laundering attorney.

What Is Money Laundering?

Money laundering is the process of conducting financial transactions involving proceeds of unlawful activity with intent to conceal the source, ownership, or nature of those proceeds. Under South Carolina’s Anti-Money Laundering Act, codified at S.C. Code § 35-11-740 and in effect since May 25, 2018, this covers a broad range of conduct: running proceeds through cash-heavy businesses, using loans or investments to make illicit funds appear legitimate, or layering money across multiple accounts and entities to obscure its origin.

The underlying illegal activity that generated the funds is called the predicate offense. Drug trafficking, fraud, robbery, and corruption are common examples. Prosecutors can charge money laundering even when the attempt to complete the transaction fails. The charge turns on intent and knowledge, not whether the scheme succeeded.

Penalties for Money Laundering in South Carolina

South Carolina structures money laundering penalties as a tiered felony under S.C. Code § 35-11-740, with severity increasing by transaction amount. The consequences extend well beyond prison time.

• Class F Felony (transactions between $300 and $20,000): Up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 or twice the value of the transactions, whichever is greater.
• Class E Felony (transactions between $20,000 and $100,000): Up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 or twice the value of the transactions, whichever is greater. A second or subsequent conviction can increase fines to $500,000 or five times the value of the transactions, whichever is greater.
• Class C Felony (transactions totaling $100,000 or more in a 12-month period): Up to 20 years in prison.

Federal exposure adds another layer. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, a federal money laundering conviction can carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Conspiracy, racketeering, or fraud charges frequently accompany money laundering allegations, compounding potential penalties significantly.

Asset forfeiture is a separate and immediate concern. Under South Carolina law, the government may seize assets it believes are connected to alleged criminal activity before formal charges are filed, requiring only a showing of probable cause. A conviction also carries lasting collateral consequences: loss of firearm rights, barriers to professional licensing, and long-term difficulty securing housing or employment.