Legal Question in Criminal Law in Wisconsin

Can I be charged for wiring money for someone being charged with federal drug cr

I was recently approached by an IRS criminal investigations officer and the FBI concerning some Western Union money transfers I sent out for a friend who is now being charged with drug crimes. I was given a subpoena to testify in front of a federal grand jury, and also questioned extensively about my relationship with this person and his associates. I assume that I will be testifying against this person, but my question is this;

Can I be charged with anything for being a party to this? I was told the money being sent was for something legal and now it appears that these funds were going to purchase large amounts of cannabis. Am I guilty of conspiracy? What are the odds that I will be charged? Should I have a lawyer when I go to testify?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


Asked on 7/24/03, 5:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
JAY Nixon nixon law offices

Re: Can I be charged for wiring money for someone being charged with federal dru

YES! You could concievably be charged with everything from money laungering to complicity in a drug operation for wiring money to the target of a drug investigation. There are federal crimes on the books which can be twisted to cover even the most ordinary human conduct if one is unlucky enough to be a "target" of an investigation. This includes depositing even one dollar which was won in the office football pool into a federally insured bank ("money laundering") or sending it via the mail ("mail fraud"). I would always recommend that a grand jury witness at least consult with an attorney prior to testifying. You should, at minimum, try to obtain a "proffer letter" wherein the government agrees not to use what you tell them against you, provided that they find it "truthful."

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Answered on 7/24/03, 7:01 pm


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