New Jersey Counterfeiting Lawyers Provide Vigorously Legal Defense for Those Accused of Making or Using Fake Currency
Have you been arrested and charged under federal criminal law with counterfeiting currency or other federal documents? A conviction on counterfeiting charges can result in serious penalties and long-term consequences from having a criminal record. You need strong legal advocates who will fight to protect your interests as you face counterfeiting charges. Let the federal counterfeiting defense attorneys from Agre & St. John work to secure a favorable resolution for your charges.
With 70 years of criminal law experience, our attorneys have gained a unique insight from having served as both prosecutors and defense attorneys. Because we know how criminal cases are prepared, we can develop tailored strategies to help our clients minimize the consequences of an arrest or conviction on counterfeiting charges. Our legal team leaves no stone unturned in working to get our clients great results as they face federal criminal charges.
If you are facing counterfeiting charges, the New Jersey counterfeiting lawyers of Agre & St. John can help you protect your rights, reputation, and future. Contact us for a free initial case evaluation to discuss your legal options with our experienced team.
When facing federal charges, trust Agre & St. John's experienced attorneys to mount a vigorous defense and protect your rights in complex federal criminal cases. Call 856-454-8674 or complete our online contact form for a confidential consultation.
Federal Counterfeiting Laws
Under federal law, counterfeiting usually refers to the creation or use of fake money or fake federal bonds and securities. The federal counterfeiting statute, 18 U.S.C. s. 471, makes it illegal for anyone, with intent to defraud others, to make, forge, or alter any obligation or security of the United States. Federal law also outlaws the counterfeiting of any federally-issued identification, such as passports, military IDs, Global Entry ID cards, federal employee badges, or federal law enforcement agency badges. It is also illegal to counterfeit other federal property like public records, federal contracts, postage stamps, or military awards and medals.
Counterfeiting any federal property or federally-issued documents or items will trigger prosecution in federal court. Any counterfeiting operation that extends into multiple states may also trigger a federal prosecution.
Defenses to Federal Counterfeiting Charges
Charges of counterfeiting have several possible defenses, with the success of any defense dependent on the case facts. Potential defenses to counterfeiting include:
- Lack of intent to defraud – A conviction for counterfeiting requires proving beyond a reasonable doubt that you intended to pass off a counterfeited item as genuine for the purpose of defrauding someone else or receiving something of value. If you created a replica of something for the purpose of having a costume or prop for a performance or cosplay, then you would lack intent to defraud someone because you intended to use the replica for “pretend” rather than to convince someone that it was a genuine item.
- Lack of knowledge of the fraudulent nature of the item – If you found or received counterfeit money and never realized that the money was fake, you may have a defense to a counterfeiting charge if you get arrested for trying to use the money.
- Poor quality of the counterfeit – Another potential defense to a counterfeiting charge involves arguing that a replicated item was of such poor quality that it cannot meet the definition of a counterfeit because it was so dissimilar to a genuine item that no ordinary person could be confused by the replica.
Don't face federal charges alone – schedule a confidential consultation with Agre & St. John's skilled defense team to understand your options and build a robust defense strategy.
How Will the Federal Counterfeiting Defense Attorneys of Agre & St. John Help You Fight Your Charges?
Federal law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service thoroughly investigate counterfeiting crimes. Government prosecutors will use the near limitless resources of the federal government to pursue convictions. You deserve strong legal counsel that can level the playing field for you to fight for a favorable outcome in your case. Turn to the New Jersey counterfeiting lawyers at Agre & St. John to advocate for your rights and interests by:
- Thoroughly investigating your counterfeiting charges to obtain all available evidence, so we can identify potentially effective defense strategies in your case
- Taking the time to explain your charges and possible outcomes to you, answer questions you may have, and prepare you for each stage of the criminal justice process so you have the knowledge you need to make informed decisions for your best interests
- Fighting the government’s case against you at every turn, whether that means moving to exclude inadmissible or unlawfully obtained evidence against you or challenge the sufficiency of the evidence by filing motions to dismiss your charges
- Working tirelessly to ensure you receive the best possible resolution under the circumstances of your case, negotiating for a fair plea deal if appropriate, or advocating for you at trial if you choose to contest your charges
Contact Our Firm for a Free Confidential Consultation to Speak with Our New Jersey Counterfeiting Lawyers About Your Case
When you have been arrested and charged in federal court with counterfeiting, get experienced legal representation to defend your rights and future. Contact Agre & St. John today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options with our federal counterfeiting defense attorneys.
