Philadelphia Federal Counterfeiting Charges: Money, Goods and Documents
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Philadelphia Federal Counterfeiting Charges: Money, Goods and Documents
Counterfeiting charges are no joke, especially when prosecuted at the federal level. In Philadelphia, counterfeiting cases involving money, goods, documents, and more are handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Defendants face serious penalties like prison time, fines, and asset forfeiture if convicted. Let’s break down what you need to know about federal counterfeiting crimes in Philadelphia.
Counterfeit Money
Making fake cash is a major federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 471. This includes replicating coins, paper currency, and other obligations or securities of the U.S. government. Penalties get harsher as the denominations rise. For example, counterfeiting $1 bills can lead to up to 15 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. But making bogus $100 bills bumps the max sentence to 25 years and a $250,000 fine.
The Secret Service handles most counterfeit money investigations, but they’ll work with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office too. Charges often include conspiracy if multiple people are involved in the scheme. Defendants may also be charged with “uttering” fake currency under 18 U.S.C. § 472 if they knowingly try to pass it off as real.
These crimes are hard to beat at trial. The evidence usually includes marked bills, video surveillance, forensics on printing equipment, and records of online purchases from suppliers. But skilled defense attorneys can try to suppress evidence, undermine witness credibility, or argue you got duped with counterfeit cash unknowingly. Getting fake bills from an ATM or shady Craigslist deal could help build an unwitting possession defense.
Counterfeit Goods
Trafficking counterfeit products is illegal under 18 U.S.C. § 2320. This includes making, importing, or selling knock-off goods packaged to look like brand names. Common targets include luxury fashion, sports apparel, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and more. Penalties vary based on the retail value and quantity trafficked. For example, a < $2,500 haul can lead to 10 years maximum, while > $2.5 million can trigger up to $5 million in fines and 20 years behind bars.
These cases often begin with customs agents seizing imported containers of counterfeit merchandise. Homeland Security then works with the FBI, USPIS, and U.S. Attorney’s Office to track the shipment to its source. Undercover buys, surveillance, and raids help build the prosecution. Defenses aim to show you didn’t know the goods were fake or challenge how the government estimated retail value. But most defendants cut deals to avoid the maximum sentences.
Fake Documents
Forging, altering, or using phony government docs is illegal under 18 U.S.C. § 1028. This includes fake IDs, passports, immigration papers, security badges, tax forms, and more. Penalties vary based on the specific charges. Simple possession of a forged government ID can lead to up to 15 years. But making or selling fake docs bumps the max to 25 years. Conspiracy and fraud charges often stack up too.
These cases rely on records from suppliers, undercover buys, informants, and forensic analysis of the counterfeit docs. Defenses aim to undermine this evidence or argue you didn’t know the papers were illegitimate. Admitting fault early is key, as charges keep stacking up the longer the conspiracy goes on.
Asset Forfeiture
A key threat with any federal counterfeiting conviction is asset forfeiture. This allows the government to seize property linked to the criminal activity, including:
- Cash proceeds from the scheme
- Bank accounts, vehicles, real estate, or valuables purchased with proceeds
- Equipment used to make the counterfeit goods
- Computers, phones, or hardware used to traffic the fakes
The asset forfeiture process happens separately from the criminal case. Even if you avoid conviction, the government can still pursue civil forfeiture against your property. It’s critical to contest this process early to avoid devastating financial losses.
Seeking Wise Counsel
Defending federal counterfeiting charges in Philadelphia requires experienced local counsel. The attorneys from the MacMain Law Group have spent decades representing clients in complex fraud, conspiracy, IP, and financial cases in PA federal courts. We know how to negotiate with prosecutors effectively, challenge unconstitutional government conduct, and craft a defense tailored to the specifics of your case. Don’t wait to seek our help – early intervention is key. Call 267-583-7979 or contact us online for a free case review.