Last Updated on: 15th October 2023, 10:07 am

Federal Counterfeiting Defense Attorney

Being charged with counterfeiting money is super serious. It can totally freak you out. The penalties are harsh, and it’s a federal crime prosecuted by the U.S. government. But don’t panic! There are good defenses, and an experienced federal counterfeiting defense attorney can help.

First off, what exactly is counterfeiting? It’s basically when you make fake money and try to pass it off as real money. There’s a bunch of laws against it, like 18 U.S.C. § 471 which makes it illegal to falsely make, forge, or counterfeit U.S. currency. There’s also laws against possessing and passing counterfeit money.

So how do people get charged? Well the Secret Service (yeah, the guys who protect the president) are actually in charge of investigating counterfeiting. If they catch you making or using fake money, you could be prosecuted. They take it real serious cause it messes with the economy.

When your dealing with the federal government, the stakes are high. They have like unlimited resources to come after you. The penalties for counterfeiting are no joke:

• Up to 20 years in prison
• Massive fines, like up to $250,000
• Forfeiture of property and assets

Yikes! Who wants to go to federal prison for 20 years? Not me. So if your facing counterfeiting charges, it’s really important to get a good lawyer on your side asap.

How a Federal Counterfeiting Defense Attorney Can Help

A experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can help build a strong defense to the charges. Here’s some of the ways they can help:

• Look for violations of your rights and get evidence thrown out if your rights were violated when you were searched or arrested.
• Negotiate with the prosecutor for reduced charges or a better plea deal.
• Challenge the governments evidence and look for technicalities that could get the case dismissed.
• Present evidence that you didn’t know the money was counterfeit.
• Argue that you had no intent to defraud anyone by using the counterfeit money.
• Advise you on whether its better to take a plea bargain or go to trial.

Having a lawyer who regularly handles federal counterfeiting cases in your district is super important. They will know all the prosecutors and judges and the typical outcomes. This helps them advise you and negotiate on your behalf.

Possible Defenses in Counterfeiting Cases

There are a number of legal defenses that a good lawyer may use to defend you against counterfeiting charges:

You Didn’t Know the Money Was Fake

If you can show you didn’t know the money was counterfeit when you had it, this can be a strong defense. It may seem obvious to check if money is real, but sometimes people get fooled. Like if you received a fake bill as change at a store, you might not inspect it closely. Or someone might pay you with a fake bill without you realizing it. You have to prove you were unaware the money was counterfeit.

You Didn’t Intend to Defraud Anyone

To be guilty of counterfeiting, you have to have intent to defraud someone by using the fake money. If you can show you were just using the money to buy stuff and didn’t mean to trick anyone, it could help your case. Like if you got paid with a counterfeit $20 bill and went and bought groceries with it, you weren’t trying to defraud the store.

Entrapment

This defense claims you only committed the crime because you were entrapped by government agents. Like if an undercover Secret Service agent convinced you to make counterfeit money when you weren’t already doing that. It’s a complicated defense that requires proof you only broke the law because of government persuasion.

Technicalities and Procedural Issues

Your lawyer will scrutinize every detail of the case to find technical problems with the evidence or any procedural mistakes by police or prosecutors. Like if evidence was collected illegally or your miranda rights weren’t read properly. Even small technical issues can get evidence thrown out or lead to dismissal.

Mistaken Identity

If the police arrested the wrong person, you obviously want to prove it wasn’t you who committed the crime. This usually relies on alibis and mistaken identity claims.

How to Find the Best Federal Counterfeiting Lawyer

Finding an experienced federal criminal defense attorney is crucial for counterfeiting cases. Here’s tips on finding the best lawyer:

• Look for a lawyer with extensive experience handling federal counterfeiting cases in your district.
• Find someone who regularly practices in federal court and knows the judges, prosecutors, and system.
• Consider a former federal prosecutor – they have insight into the government’s approach.
• Ask about the lawyer’s track record of results in counterfeiting cases – dismissals, acquittals, plea deals, sentences, etc.
• Make sure they will personally handle your case and not pass you off to an associate.
• Be sure you feel comfortable and confident in the lawyer’s skills and commitment to your case.

Don’t take chances with your freedom. Interview several lawyers and find the best federal counterfeiting defense attorney you can. It will give you the best chance of beating the charges and avoiding harsh penalties.

The Bottom Line

Being charged with counterfeiting money is extremely serious. But an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can analyze the evidence, build strong legal defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, and give you the best chance of a good outcome. Don’t panic and don’t give up hope. Fight the charges strategically with a top lawyer on your side.

Here are some key takeaways on federal counterfeiting defense:

• Counterfeiting laws are strict with harsh penalties – know your rights.
• Hire an experienced federal criminal defense attorney right away.
• Possible defenses include lack of intent, entrapment, technicalities, and mistaken identity.
• Find a lawyer experienced in federal counterfeiting cases in your district.
• A skilled lawyer can negotiate reduced charges or dismissals and help avoid lengthy prison sentences.

With smart legal strategies and an aggressive defense, you can overcome federal counterfeiting charges. Don’t go it alone against the power of the government – get experienced legal help fighting your side.