As the name implies, money laundering is when you knowingly take "dirty" money (money earned through illegal activity) and attempt to make it "clean" money (money that is earned legally). For example, if you take money that was made through the sale of illegal narcotics or stolen cars and deposit that cash into your bank account, you can be charged with money laundering.
In California, money laundering is covered under two main statutes called Penal Code 186.10 PC and Health & Safety Code 11370.9 HS. This is the difference between them:
Penal Code 186.10 PC covers money that is related to any criminal activity
Health & Safety Code 11370.9 HS only covers money that is related to drug crimes
Money laundering is a called a "wobbler" crime one that can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Due to the complex laws regarding money laundering, it is highly important to contact a knowledgeable defense attorney should you face such charges. The seasoned professionals at the Law Office of Michael L. Guisti have successfully represented many clients charged with money laundering in Southern California. They can be reached at (714) 530-9690.