Federal Counterfeiting Defense Attorney
Counterfeiting: Impact and Significance
Counterfeiting is a severe crime that poses a grave threat to the financial system of our nation. The federal government considers it an offense punishable by imprisonment and significant fines. However, with strategic initiatives, advanced training programs, and evolving technology, law enforcement agencies have developed ways to target those involved in counterfeiting and their distribution networks.
Legal Defense Against Counterfeiting Charges
If you are facing charges related to counterfeit money, goods, or documents, or are targeted for investigation, you need an experienced federal defense attorney like Attorney our lead attorney to aggressively fight for your rights and protect your freedom. At Federal Lawyers, we have extensive experience in helping individuals with counterfeiting charges. We possess the necessary resources, skills, and knowledge to defend you successfully.
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(212) 300-5196Understanding and Navigating Counterfeiting Offenses
According to federal law (18 U.S.C § 471), counterfeiting is defined as the creation or distribution of fake or counterfeit securities such as bonds; currencies such as dollars; goods such as watches; national identity cards; passports; credit cards; electronics or clothing among others specified document types. It is illegal under federal statutes to use, sell, or create fake United States currency notes or foreign securities.
Todd Spodek
Lead Attorney & Founder
Featured on Netflix's "Inventing Anna," Todd Spodek brings decades of high-stakes criminal defense experience. His aggressive approach has secured dismissals and acquittals in cases others deemed unwinnable.
You were arrested after a traffic stop where officers discovered several high-quality counterfeit $100 bills in your glove compartment, along with specialized ink and paper in your trunk. Federal Secret Service agents are now involved and claim you were part of a larger counterfeiting ring, even though you insist a friend left those items in your car.
What kind of penalties am I facing for federal counterfeiting charges, and can I really be held responsible for items that weren't mine?
Federal counterfeiting is prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 471, which carries up to 20 years in prison for manufacturing counterfeit currency, and under § 472 for possession with intent to defraud. The government must prove you knowingly possessed the counterfeit bills and materials with intent to use or distribute them — constructive possession of items in your vehicle does not automatically prove knowledge or intent. We would challenge the legality of the traffic stop and search, scrutinize the chain of custody for the evidence, and work to sever any alleged connection to a broader conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. § 371. Early intervention by an experienced federal defense attorney is critical, as cooperation strategies or evidentiary challenges can significantly reduce exposure before charges are even formally filed.
This is general information only. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.
Additionally, it’s unlawful under federal law (18 U.S.C § 474) to sell images intended for creating counterfeit currency notes without authorization from the Secretary of Treasury. Federal law also makes it a crime (18 U.S.C § 513) to forge various fake documents including government contract documents, lending institutions’ documents, customs import duty documents among others aimed at defrauding the US government.
