Financial matters · National preparation support
Sentencing Amounts in Money Laundering Matters: Keep the Questions Separate
Identify the source, purpose and assumptions behind financial figures before counsel evaluates sentencing calculations.
By Joseph De Gregorio · Federal Sentencing Strategist
Founder and President, Sentencing Advocacy Group · November 6, 2026
Request a Private Case Review · (646) 588-8182
Name what each amount measures
A transfer total, alleged criminal proceeds, personal compensation, fraud loss, forfeiture request and restitution proposal can describe different things. Keep each figure labeled with its source and date. Do not substitute one for another because it is easier to calculate or produces a more favorable result.
Preserve the actual calculation
Keep the proposed schedule, supporting records and all material versions. Identify the included transactions and periods, and note whether repeated movements or conversions appear. Counsel and qualified experts assess the governing calculation. SAG can organize the file without supplying a Guidelines opinion.
Identify the applicable legal framework with counsel
The Sentencing Commission’s Guidelines Manual includes a money laundering guideline, section 2S1.1. Its application depends on the actual facts and the legally applicable manual. A general website explanation cannot select the correct calculation for a person. Ask counsel to identify which factual questions need supporting records.
Link the financial review to preparation deadlines
Financial questions can take time to resolve. Work backward from confirmed interview, objection and hearing dates identified by counsel. Assign responsibility for missing sources and specialist review. A preparation calendar should distinguish a completed review from an unresolved issue so the personal narrative does not overstate the financial conclusions.
Continue your preparation
Is my compensation automatically the sentencing amount?
No automatic equivalence should be assumed. Keep the measures separate and ask counsel to evaluate the governing rules.
Sources and a defined preparation assignment
Official context: U.S. Sentencing Commission: 2026 Guidelines Manual. Sources checked November 6, 2026. Counsel evaluates the law and the manual applicable to the individual facts and dates. These preparation steps do not determine criminal liability or a sentencing calculation.
Work directly with Joseph to define deliverables, authorized recipients and review dates. An assignment may include a personal and professional chronology, source index, factual review questions and practical preparation calendar. SAG is not a law firm or forensic accounting provider. An engagement does not automatically establish privilege.
Based in New Jersey, SAG serves clients nationwide, with travel arranged for cases. No charging decision, sentence, placement or release date is guaranteed.
For counsel: Discuss Support for Your Client. Begin with the role, stage and deadline. Do not send account credentials or privileged advice through the inquiry form.