Defending Against Counterfeit Crimes Charges: What You Need to Know

Being charged with counterfeiting crimes can be an incredibly stressful and frightening experience. These charges often carry severe penalties, and prosecutors typically pursue them aggressively. However, with the right defense strategy and an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, it is possible to fight counterfeit crimes allegations and seek the best possible outcome in your case. This article provides an overview of common counterfeit crimes charges, potential defenses, and how a knowledgeable lawyer can defend your rights every step of the way.

What Constitutes Counterfeiting Crimes?

Counterfeiting laws prohibit making or possessing fake reproductions of valuable items, such as money, branded goods, IDs, licenses, artwork, etc. Common counterfeit crimes charges include:

• Counterfeit Currency: Making fake bills and coins that resemble U.S. currency. This includes manufacturing counterfeit currency, altering genuine currency to increase its face value, or possessing tools to produce counterfeit money.
• Counterfeit Goods: Trafficking in fake trademarked items, such as luxury handbags, watches, shoes, clothing, etc.
• Counterfeit IDs: Making or selling fake driver’s licenses, passports, social security cards, or other government-issued IDs.
• Counterfeit Postage: Producing fake postage stamps, postmarks, or other U.S. Postal Service materials.
• Counterfeit Prescriptions: Creating bogus prescriptions for controlled substances.
• Counterfeit Military Items: Making fake military decorations, uniforms, IDs, etc.

How Can a Defense Attorney Fight Counterfeit Charges?

While counterfeiting allegations are certainly serious, there are often viable defenses an experienced criminal defense lawyer can use to undermine the prosecution’s case. Some examples of effective legal and factual defenses include:

• No Knowledge Items Were Counterfeit – One of the key elements prosecutors must prove is that you knowingly possessed or trafficked in counterfeit items. But if you didn’t know the items were fake, that is a strong defense. For instance, maybe you unknowingly accepted counterfeit bills or bought replica goods you thought were genuine.
• No Intent to Defraud – The state must also show you intended to mislead or cheat others using the counterfeits. If the evidence raises doubts about fraudulent intent, it hurts the prosecution. For example, if you possessed fake IDs but never used them.
• Entrapment – This defense claims you were improperly induced by police to commit the crime. If an undercover agent pressured you into a counterfeiting deal you were initially reluctant about, your lawyer can argue entrapment.
• Unlawful Search – If police find counterfeits through an illegal search, like searching your home without a warrant, your attorney can seek to suppress that evidence.
• Speedy Trial Violation – The U.S. Constitution guarantees speedy trials for defendants. If there are excessive delays in your case, your lawyer may argue your rights were infringed.
• Lack of Evidence – By scrutinizing the prosecution’s evidence and investigation, an experienced defense attorney can often find holes in their case and raise reasonable doubt about your guilt.

Fighting State Counterfeiting Charges

At the state level, prosecutors also pursue counterfeiting allegations aggressively. But an adept local criminal defense lawyer can stand between you and the government and fight for your rights. A knowledgeable state defense attorney will:

• Leverage their relationships with local prosecutors and judges to seek charge reductions or dismissals.
• Thoroughly examine the police investigation and evidence for irregularities.
• Raise doubts about the prosecution’s ability to prove intent or knowledge of counterfeiting.
• Present credible expert witnesses to undermine the state’s arguments.
• Craft motions highlighting violations of your rights, like improper searches or lack of Miranda warnings.
• Mount an assertive defense at preliminary hearings, grand jury proceedings, motions, and trial.
• Argue for probation and rehabilitation instead of jail time if convicted.

Having an assertive defense lawyer in your corner can make all the difference in defeating state counterfeit crimes allegations.

Defending Against Counterfeit Money Charges

One of the most common and serious counterfeiting offenses is possessing or making counterfeit money. But there are options for fighting these charges as well:

• Dispute knowing bills were fake – The prosecution must prove you knowingly possessed counterfeit currency. If the fake money was believable or mixed with real cash, argue you had no criminal intent.
• Challenge intent to defraud – Prosecutors must establish you planned to use bogus bills fraudulently. Undermine this argument by showing lack of deceitful intent.
• Suppress evidence from illegal searches – If police improperly searched your home or car to find counterfeits, your lawyer can seek to exclude that evidence.
• Procedural violations – Mistakes in collecting, storing or presenting counterfeit money evidence can provide grounds for dismissal.
• Sentencing mitigation – If convicted, your attorney can advocate for probation instead of jail by highlighting your clean record, family obligations, employment, and good character.

While any counterfeiting charge is serious, an experienced criminal defense attorney can often negotiate reduced penalties or even get charges dismissed. Don’t give up hope.

The Benefits of Retaining a Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are being investigated for or charged with any counterfeiting crime, it is critical to retain legal counsel immediately. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be your ally and advocate and can make the difference between prison and preserving your freedom. Hiring a lawyer provides many invaluable benefits:

• Expertise – Criminal defense lawyers have in-depth knowledge of counterfeiting laws and courtroom procedures you lack. Their expertise can expose flaws in the prosecution’s case.
• Objectivity – Your lawyer won’t be emotionally invested in your case and can offer clear-eyed advice about your options. Their objectivity helps counter the police and prosecution’s bias.
• Negotiation – Defense attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors pre-trial to get charges reduced or dismissed. Their skills can help avoid trial and minimize penalties.
• Investigation – Your lawyer can launch an independent investigation to dig up evidence and witnesses the police may have missed that bolster your defense.
• Courtroom Skills – At hearings and trial, your attorney’s interrogation and presentation skills can undermine the prosecution’s witnesses and arguments.
• Resources – Your lawyer can hire experts, private investigators, and others to help build your defense. Their resources expand your chances of success.

When your reputation, freedom, and future are on the line, you need an accomplished lawyer in your corner fighting for your rights. Don’t go it alone against counterfeiting charges.

Work with a Dedicated Defense Attorney Today

Dealing with counterfeiting charges is frightening. But experienced criminal defense attorneys know how to stand up to these allegations and protect clients’ rights and interests. If you are being investigated or prosecuted for counterfeiting, contact a knowledgeable lawyer for a free case evaluation as soon as possible. An adept defense attorney will thoroughly examine your case, explain your options, answer all questions, and start building the strongest possible defense on your behalf. With an experienced lawyer guiding you through the process, you can gain confidence you have an ally who will aggressively defend you against these serious accusations. Don’t wait to get legal help fighting back against counterfeit crimes charges.