Criminal Defense Lawyers

Miami Counterfeit Currency Charges Lawyers

Dealing with Counterfeit Currency Charges in Miami

Miami is an exciting city full of culture, beaches, and nightlife. But it also has a dark underbelly of crime. One type of crime that is a big issue in Miami is counterfeit currency – people making, using, or distributing fake money. If you have been charged with a counterfeit currency crime in Miami, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Let’s break down everything you need to know about these charges and how a lawyer can help.

Counterfeit Currency Laws in Miami

There are both state and federal laws against counterfeit currency crimes. At the federal level, the main law is Title 18 U.S. Code Section 471. This law makes it illegal to falsely make, forge, or counterfeit any coins, bills, or other securities of the United States. It also makes it illegal to pass, sell, import, or export counterfeit U.S. currency. Violating this law can lead to up to 20 years in federal prison.
Florida state law also prohibits counterfeit currency crimes under Section 831.08. This law bans making, forging, counterfeiting, or altering any bank bill, check, draft, or promissory note. Violating state law can lead to up to 5 years in state prison.
So in Miami, local police as well as federal agencies like the U.S. Secret Service may get involved in investigating and charging counterfeit currency crimes. The penalties can be severe at both the federal and state level.

Common Defenses Against Counterfeit Charges

If you have been accused of a counterfeit currency crime in Miami, there are several legal defenses that an experienced lawyer may use to fight the charges:
Lack of criminal intent – For a counterfeit charge, prosecutors must prove you knowingly and intentionally committed the crime. If you received fake bills unknowingly or by accident, you may lack criminal intent.
Entrapment – This defense claims law enforcement tricked or coerced you into committing the crime. For example, if an undercover cop pressured you into accepting fake money.
Duress – This means you were forced to commit the crime against your will by threats of violence.
Unconvincing counterfeit – If the fake money is clearly implausible, you may argue you didn’t think anyone would believe it was real.
Misidentification – If police accuse the wrong person, an alibi or other evidence can prove your innocence.
Illegal search – If police violated your rights by illegally searching you or your property, evidence may be suppressed.
Violation of Miranda rights – If police didn’t read you your rights before questioning, your statements may get thrown out.
A skilled lawyer will carefully examine the details of your case to craft the strongest defense strategy possible.

The Criminal Process for Counterfeit Charges in Miami

If you are facing counterfeit charges, here is a basic overview of what to expect:
Arrest – Police may arrest you on the spot if they catch you with counterfeit currency or have evidence you committed the crime.
Booking & bail – You will be photographed, fingerprinted and must post bail to be released until your court dates. Bail could be thousands of dollars.
First appearance – This hearing is typically within 24 hours of your arrest. The judge informs you of the charges and sets additional bail conditions.
Preliminary hearing – For felonies, this must occur within 21 days of your arrest. It determines if there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial.
Arraignment – At this hearing, formal charges are presented and you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest.
Plea bargaining – Your lawyer may negotiate with prosecutors to get charges reduced or dropped in exchange for a guilty plea.
Trial – If no plea deal is reached, your case will go to trial before a judge or jury, who will determine guilt or innocence.
Sentencing – If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence based on factors like your criminal history and the nature of the crime.
Having an experienced Miami criminal defense lawyer to guide you through this complex process is critical. An attorney can intervene at every stage to protect your rights.

Why You Should Never Handle Counterfeit Charges Without a Lawyer

Trying to navigate counterfeit charges without an attorney is extremely unwise. Here are some key reasons why:
You may incriminate yourself unintentionally by talking to police without a lawyer present. Any statement you make can be used against you.
Even if you are innocent, prosecutors may pressure you into taking a guilty plea without fully understanding the consequences.
Prosecutors have vast resources at their disposal. You need an aggressive lawyer to counter them.
Without legal counsel, you may miss important deadlines, make procedural mistakes, or get bullied by prosecutors.
Lawyers have experience negotiating with prosecutors to get charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial.
An attorney can detect any police misconduct or constitutional violations that may invalidate the case against you.
Lawyers are experts in presenting the strongest defense in court. Most defendants cannot effectively defend themselves at trial.
Bottom line – there is far too much complexity in fighting criminal charges and avoiding harsh penalties. Never go it alone against seasoned prosecutors without the power of a lawyer in your corner.

How Lawyers Defend Counterfeit Cases in Miami

When you hire an attorney for counterfeit charges, here are some of the specific things they may do:
Thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest and build a defense.
Aggressively challenge any improper police conduct that violated your rights.
Seek to get damaging evidence thrown out if it was obtained illegally.
Hire expert witnesses to assess the counterfeit evidence and testify for the defense.
Negotiate with the prosecution to get charges reduced or dismissed through a plea bargain.
File motions contesting the legality of the charges and the sufficiency of the evidence.
Assert every possible defense in your favor – from lack of intent to entrapment.
Appear by your side at every court hearing to protect your rights.
Keep you out of jail by seeking bail/bond and alternative sentencing.
If necessary, take your case to trial for a not guilty verdict.
Appeal any guilty verdict or unfair sentence and keep fighting for your freedom.
With an aggressive defense lawyer battling for you, the odds of beating your counterfeit case improve dramatically compared to facing the system alone.

Penalties for Counterfeit Convictions in Miami

If you end up convicted of counterfeit charges, here are some of the potential penalties under federal and Florida state law:
Up to 20 years in federal prison for federal counterfeit convictions.
Up to 5 years in state prison for state counterfeit convictions.
Severe fines up to $250,000 for federal convictions or $5,000 for state.
Probation lasting multiple years with strict conditions.
Restitution to repay victims of the counterfeit crimes.
Permanent criminal record that hurts jobs, professional licenses, and more.
For non-citizens, possible deportation after serving sentence.
The judge determines your penalty based on the facts of your case and your prior record. These can be very serious, life-altering consequences. An attorney may argue for alternatives to incarceration like probation, rehabilitation, community service, or deferred prosecution. But the risks are immense if convicted, so fighting the charges aggressively from the start is critical.

How Lawyers Can Help Reduce Counterfeit Penalties

While any counterfeit conviction is serious, an experienced lawyer can often help mitigate the penalties by:
Gathering evidence of any mitigating factors to present to the judge before sentencing.
Portraying you in the best possible light and highlighting your positive traits.
Arguing persuasively that you are deserving of leniency, not harsh punishment.
Negotiating with prosecutors pre-trial for reduced charges with lighter sentences.
Securing alternative sentences focused on rehabilitation rather than only incarceration.
Contesting any sentencing enhancements that would increase your penalty.
Appealing any sentence handed down as unfair or excessive.
Applying for early release from probation or parole once eligible.
Even if convicted, skilled legal advocacy can help reduce the severity of the consequences you face. The difference between five years in prison versus just probation, for example, is enormous.

Why Hiring a Former Prosecutor as Your Lawyer Can Help

Former state and federal prosecutors have a unique advantage when defending counterfeit cases in Miami. Why?
They have insider knowledge of how prosecutors build cases and where weak points may be.
Relationships with former colleagues can facilitate better plea deals.
Understanding complex federal laws and procedures from the government side is invaluable.
Knowing how to undermine the credibility of government witnesses.
Comfort level in federal courtrooms benefits defendants.
Credibility with judges as a former government attorney helps gain trust.
Ability to predict potential sentences more accurately.
Of course, not all former prosecutors make capable defense attorneys. Make sure any lawyer you hire has a proven track record of success on the defense side. But hiring a lawyer with prosecutorial experience can often translate into better outcomes.

Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Counterfeit Case

With your freedom on the line, it is critical to have the right lawyer fighting for you when facing counterfeit charges in Miami. Here are some tips:
Search for attorneys with specific experience defending counterfeit cases – not just general criminal law.
Prioritize lawyers who regularly handle cases in federal court if facing federal charges.
Look for someone aggressive yet strategic in their defense approach.
Find a lawyer with a track record of positive case results.
Meet with the attorney in person to gauge their commitment to defending you.
Ask about their negotiation skills and trial experience.
Understand the total fees and costs upfront. Avoid lawyers quoting unrealistically low fees.
Check reviews from past clients to assess the lawyer’s responsiveness and effectiveness.
Choose someone you feel comfortable confiding in and who will fight relentlessly on your behalf.
Hire a lawyer as quickly after arrest as possible to start building your defense.
Vetting criminal defense lawyers carefully upfront will help you make the smartest choice for someone you can trust to secure the best outcome.

How Much Will a Lawyer Cost for Counterfeit Charges?

The cost to hire a private defense lawyer for counterfeit charges can vary substantially based on factors like:
The lawyer’s experience level and billing rates.
If they are hired for the full case or just representation at specific hearings.
How complex and time-consuming your particular case is.
Whether your case goes to trial versus ends in a plea deal.
If you require expert witnesses and investigators.
The size of the law firm – solo attorneys tend to have lower rates.
In Miami, you can expect to pay at least $3,000 – $5,000 to retain a private lawyer. But complex counterfeit cases with extensive litigation can end up costing $15,000+ in legal fees. Sit down with lawyers you are considering to discuss fees upfront so there are no surprises.

Alternatives to Paying for a Private Lawyer

If you cannot afford a private attorney, there are some options for free or reduced-cost representation:
Hire a public defender – Attorneys provided by the state to represent defendants who cannot afford private counsel.
Seek a court-appointed lawyer – You may qualify for free counsel appointed by the judge based on financial need.
Contact legal aid organizations – Some provide free or low-cost defense lawyers for those who qualify.
Look for lawyers willing to work pro bono – Some may take cases for free selectively.
See if you qualify for a public defender consortium – Groups funded to represent defendants at reduced rates.
Ask the lawyer about payment plans – They may agree to break up fees into an installment plan.
Use a legal defense fund if you have community/crowdfunding support.
While hiring private counsel is ideal, be sure to explore any options to reduce the legal costs if you have limited financial resources.