Money laundering is a serious criminal offense. In South Carolina, engaging in money laundering in excess of $500 within a 30-day period can result in a felony criminal charge. At Query Sautter & Associates, LLC, we defend money laundering cases. Here, our Charleston white-collar criminal defense lawyer provides an overview…
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Criminal Defense
What are the Consequences for Texting and Driving in SC?
Distracted driving is dangerous driving. There is perhaps no more risky form of distracted driving than texting and driving. It is against the law in South Carolina. A driver who texts while behind the wheel puts everyone else at serious risk. They can face serious consequences. Here, our Charleston traffic…
What if an Officer Forgets to Read You Your Miranda Warning?
Whether you are arrested for a state or federal offense, if the police plan on detaining you for questioning, they must read you your Miranda rights. A police officer who forgets to read you your Miranda rights will be unable to use any testimony that you provide or evidence that…
Is It Legal to Record a Police Officer in SC?
In the past, officers’ statements about arrests were generally considered beyond reproach unless there was considerable proof to the contrary. In the age of a smartphone on every person and a bodycam on every officer, this is changing. We’ve all seen news clips of bystanders using their phones to record…
What Are Some Common Types of White-Collar Crimes
Defined as crimes that have a financial motive or involve a power play, white-collar crimes are on the rise. Even though white-collar crimes are non-violent in nature, white-collar crimes are estimated to cost victims anywhere from $426 billion to $1.7 trillion annually. Offenders may be charged under state or federal…
What is Money Laundering?
In fiscal year 2022, 1,001 individuals were prosecuted for money laundering. Money laundering is an increasing concern in our society and is considered an offense committed by wealthy businessmen and politicians. Money laundering involves taking illegally earned money and making it appear as though it was earned through legitimate means….
What Are The Types of Federal White Collar Crime
The term white-collar crime refers to a broad range of crimes that are predominantly fraudulent and financially motivated. The majority of white-collar crimes are prosecuted at the federal level and charged as felonies. A federal white-collar crime conviction carries an extended prison sentence and costly fines. For example: Money Laundering…
Defending against drug possession charges
If you are charged with drug possession in South Carolina, you will have an opportunity to refute the government's allegation in court. Depending on the strength of your argument, it may be possible to have your case thrown out before it gets to trial. A strong...
Three facts that must be valid before a burglary occurred in South Carolina
Approximately 29,500 cases of burglary occur in South Carolina annually. It is the second most common type of property crime in the state. For the courts to decide that a burglary has occurred, three elements must be true. Breaking and entering The first element that...
Potential issues with eyewitness testimony
Eyewitness testimony is a critical aspect of the criminal justice system as it can be used to identify suspects, establish motives and provide evidence in court. However, research has shown that eyewitness testimony can be unreliable and prone to error, leading to...
An Overview of Insider Trading
Whether it happens in South Carolina or any other state, illegal insider trading is a serious white-collar crime that could warrant federal charges. According to the Securities and Exchange Commission, illegal insider trading involves buying or selling securities in...