What Happens If I Unknowingly Use Counterfeit Money

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Counterfeit Money Lawyers | Grand Rapids Office | Serving Rockford, MI

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Rockford Counterfeit Money Information

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What Is Considered a Counterfeit Money Crime?

There are a variety of crimes related to counterfeit money from the creation of counterfeit money to the laundering of fake money and spending it.

Counterfeiting is a serious federal offense, one which courts do not take lightly. Using machines, dyes and other techniques to reproduce legal currency is considered a federal felony, and the distribution, obfuscation (laundering) of said fake currency is also a felony. Doing trade with counterfeit currency in low denominations may be considered somewhat less serious, but determined in a court of law.

Is Using Counterfeit Money a Felony?

Charges related to counterfeit money can be pursued at either the state or federal level. At the federal level, knowingly dealing in counterfeit currency can be a felony resulting in up to 20 years imprisonment, as well as a fine, if you are found guilty of the offense.

State-level laws differ on the subject. If a particular sum of goods or services being sought exceeds a monetary threshold (often ranging from $250 to $1,000), the charges of counterfeiting or forgery are escalated to felony charges. If the sum is lower than the state-dictated threshold, misdemeanor charges may result, at least in jurisdictions that offer this legal avenue.

What Happens if You Unknowingly Use Counterfeit Money?

Intent is a major element that must be proven to charge someone for using counterfeit money.

If you unknowingly use counterfeit money, it is likely you will have a strong defense if a case comes to trial. In most instances, people pass counterfeit bills without prior knowledge of, or intent, to defraud the recipient. Given that the standard of proof in a criminal trial is quite high — prosecutors must prove, beyond any reasonable doubt, that the defendant intended to pass counterfeit currency — those who innocently pass a fake bill are unlikely to face conviction. That being said, it remains a possibility: therefore it is advisable to report any suspected currency you encounter to authorities.

What is the Penalty for Counterfeit Money Charges?

As mentioned above, federal penalties for the use of counterfeit money can result in a 20-year prison sentence in addition to fines. The same applies to those who produce such currency with the intent to defraud.

In many states, however, counterfeiting is also known as forgery. For example, if you are found guilty of forgery (largely pertaining to false bills or coins, as well as securities) you could face up to five years in prison as well as $5,000 in fines in response to what is termed a third-degree felony in certain states. In other states, it is treated as a so-called "wobbler," meaning that the crime can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the context and circumstances. The misdemeanor forgery charge can result in one year in county jail, while the felony variant calls for up to three years behind bars.

Across most state laws and statutes, forgery or crimes related to counterfeit money typically call for a jail or prison sentence ranging from one to five years, and fines ranging from $1,000 to $100,000.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer for Counterfeit Money Charges in Michigan?

If you're facing charges related to counterfeiting, passing of counterfeit money, or forgery more broadly, it would be in your best interests to secure legal representation as quickly as possible.

Having a skilled Michigan criminal defense attorney in your corner is the best thing you can do to improve your odds of winning the case, whether or not the issue has to be brought to trial. An experienced attorney will be able to gather the relevant facts and can advise you on how to proceed.

Convictions in response to forgery or counterfeiting charges often result in stiff financial penalties as well as a jail or prison sentence, and so it is vitally important to retain proper legal representation.

How Can a Counterfeiting Money Attorney Help?

A counterfeiting money attorney can help you defend against these serious charges. Counterfeiting is considered fraud and if you made fake bills or coins, or even if you unknowingly used counterfeit money, a lawyer will help protect you and your legal rights.

How an Attorney Can Help

An attorney can often resolve your particular legal issue faster and better than trying to do it alone. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, while avoiding costly mistakes or procedural errors. You should seek out an attorney whose practice focuses on the area of law most relevant to your issue.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

In general, how much an attorney costs will often depend on these four factors: billing method and pricing structure, type of legal work performed, law firm prestige, and attorney experience. Depending on the legal issue you are facing, an attorney may bill you by the hour, settle on a flat fee, or enter into a contingency fee agreement. The type of legal work you need help with will also play a role in cost incurred.

Common legal terms explained

Affidavit – A sworn written statement made under oath. An affidavit is meant to be a supporting document to the court assisting in the verification of certain facts. An affidavit may or may not require notarization.