Washington § 9A.83.020 - Money laundering.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 9A.83.020 — Money laundering., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 9A.83.020. Money laundering.

(1) A person is guilty of money laundering when that person conducts or attempts to conduct a financial transaction involving the proceeds of specified unlawful activity and:
(a) Knows the property is proceeds of specified unlawful activity; or
(b) Knows that the transaction is designed in whole or in part to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of the proceeds, and acts recklessly as to whether the property is proceeds of specified unlawful activity; or
(c) Knows that the transaction is designed in whole or in part to avoid a transaction reporting requirement under federal law.
(2) In consideration of the constitutional right to counsel afforded by the Fifth and Sixth amendments to the United States Constitution and Article 1, Section 22 of the Constitution of Washington, an additional proof requirement is imposed when a case involves a licensed attorney who accepts a fee for representing a client in an actual criminal investigation or proceeding. In these situations, the prosecution is required to prove that the attorney accepted proceeds of specified unlawful activity with intent:
(a) To conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of the proceeds, knowing the property is proceeds of specified unlawful activity; or
(b) To avoid a transaction reporting requirement under federal law.
The proof required by this subsection is in addition to the requirements contained in subsection (1) of this section.
(3) An additional proof requirement is imposed when a case involves a financial institution and one or more of its employees. In these situations, the prosecution is required to prove that proceeds of specified unlawful activity were accepted with intent:
(a) To conceal or disguised [disguise] the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of the proceeds, knowing the property is proceeds of specified unlawful activity; or
(b) To avoid a transaction reporting requirement under federal law.
The proof required by this subsection is in addition to the requirements contained in subsection (1) of this section.
(4) Money laundering is a class B felony.
(5) A person who violates this section is also liable for a civil penalty of twice the value of the proceeds involved in the financial transaction and for the costs of the suit, including reasonable investigative and attorneys' fees.
(6) Proceedings under this chapter shall be in addition to any other criminal penalties, civil penalties, or forfeitures authorized under state law.
[ 1992 c 210 s 2.]

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 9A.83.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 9A.83.020 cover?

Section 9A.83.020 ("Money laundering.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 9A.83.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 9A.83.020" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 9A.83.020 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.