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Wellington Counterfeit Currency Charges Lawyers
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Wellington Counterfeit Currency Charges Lawyers: What You Need to Know
Getting charged with counterfeit currency offenses can be scary. The laws are complicated, and the penalties can be severe. So where do you turn for help? A good Wellington criminal defense lawyer who specializes in counterfeit currency charges is key.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Wellington counterfeit currency lawyers. We’ll cover the basics of the charges, potential defenses, what to expect in court, and how lawyers can help. We aim to educate so you can make informed decisions if you face these allegations.
Counterfeit Currency Charges in Wellington Explained
There are a few main counterfeit currency offenses people get charged with in Wellington and throughout New Zealand:
- Making counterfeit money
- Using counterfeit money
- Possessing counterfeit money
- Importing and exporting counterfeit money
The laws mostly focus on currency that imitates New Zealand legal tender. But some charges can also apply to foreign currencies like US dollars or Euros.
These laws aim to protect the integrity of New Zealand’s monetary system. Having fake cash circulating can undermine public trust and cause inflation. So police and courts often treat these charges seriously.
Penalties for Wellington Counterfeit Charges
The penalties for counterfeit currency crimes depend on a few factors:
- Your exact offense (making, using, possessing, etc.)
- The monetary value of the counterfeit funds involved
- Your criminal history
In general though, you can face hefty punishments like:
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Fines of $100,000 or more
- Getting named as a criminal in local newspapers and media
So these aren’t light charges by any means. The risks call for getting an experienced criminal lawyer on your side straight away.
Finding the Best Wellington Counterfeit Currency Lawyers
When looking for legal help with fake money allegations, you want a lawyer who:
- Focuses specifically on criminal defense
- Has represented past counterfeit currency cases
- Understands the local Wellington courts and judges
- Can negotiate with police and prosecutors on your behalf
Don’t just pick any random law firm and hope for the best. Vet them thoroughly regarding their expertise with these specific types of charges.
Look for customer reviews, case studies, and evidence of positive outcomes from past clients. Ask direct questions about their counterfeit crime knowledge and credentials too.
How Lawyers Defend Counterfeit Charges
When you retain a lawyer after getting arrested or questioned about fake cash, they can start building a defense strategy right away. Common counterfeit charge defenses include:
- You didn’t know – Claiming you didn’t realize the money was fake when you used or possessed it
- No evidence – Arguing the prosecution lacks definitive proof you committed the crime
- Entrapment – Alleging police coerced you into handling the bogus cash
- Mistaken identity – Saying you’re the victim of mistaken identity and it was someone else
A skilled lawyer will evaluate the facts of your case and identify the best defense angles to highlight. Having an early strategy is crucial for getting charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial.
The Wellington Court Process for Counterfeit Charges
If attempts to get your charges dropped early fail, your case may end up going through the full court process. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:
- Arrest and charging – Police arrest and formally charge you with counterfeit offenses
- First appearance – You appear before a judge to enter a plea within days of getting arrested
- Pre-trial – Your lawyer works towards getting charges dropped or reduced during this stretch
- Trial – If no pre-trial resolution, your case goes to trial before a judge or jury
- Sentencing – If found guilty, the judge determines penalties like fines, community service, or jail time
Having a lawyer guide you through the process can make all the difference. They’ll advocate for your rights, speak on your behalf in court, and negotiate for leniency during sentencing if necessary.
Why Wellington Counterfeit Lawyers Are Worth It
Although hiring a criminal defense lawyer can get expensive, it’s almost always wise for counterfeit cases. Why?
- They have the legal knowledge to identify strong defense arguments prosecutors may overlook
- They can negotiate with police to potentially avoid charges getting filed altogether
- An experienced lawyer may be able to get charges reduced or dropped pre-trial, preventing a lengthy court battle
- If convicted, skilled lawyers can often sway judges for lighter sentences during penalty hearings
So while legal fees definitely add up, the impact of a conviction sticks with you for life. Lawyers enhance your odds of avoiding that fate. For many people, it’s well worth the investment.
Finding Wellington Counterfeit Lawyers: Next Steps
We hope this overview gives you a helpful starting point for dealing with counterfeit cash allegations in Wellington. Remember, you don’t need to go it alone!
Connect with experienced local criminal lawyers as soon as charges get brought against you. Shop around and ask tough questions to find the best legal representative. And don’t hesitate to lean on them throughout the process.
With skilled legal guidance in your corner, you can face these daunting accusations with far more confidence. So don’t delay in seeking out help from qualified Wellington counterfeit crime lawyers.