Top Laguna Hills, CA Counterfeit Money Lawyers Near You
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SoCal Super Lawyers 16 years in a row, AV rated. Criminal defense attorney offering experience, skill and personal attention.
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Our nationwide team of defense lawyers includes a former U.S. Attorney, four former Federal Prosecutors, two former FBI agents and two former Army JAGS.
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6345 Balboa Blvd, Suite 247, Encino, CA 91316
If you need Counterfeit Money help in California, contact Law Office of Gregory Rubel, a local practice in Laguna Hills, for legal representation.
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16520 Bake Parkway, Suite 280, Irvine, CA 92618
Representing people in Laguna Hills, California with their Counterfeit Money issues.
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350 W. Colorado Blvd, Suite 200, Pasadena, CA 91105
Those seeking legal help with Counterfeit Money can reach out to Buehler & Kassabian, a local practice representing people in Laguna Hills, California.
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One Park Plaza, Irvine, CA 92614
Other Nearby Offices
Those seeking legal help with Counterfeit Money can reach out to Bulldog Law, a local practice representing people in Laguna Hills, California.
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355 S Grand Ave, Suite 2850, Los Angeles, CA 90071
19800 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92612
2049 Century Park E, Suite 3500S, Los Angeles, CA 90067
6464 West Sunset Blvd., Suite 1030, Los Angeles, CA 90028
4350 Von Karman Ave, 4th FL, Newport Beach, CA 92660
10250 Constellation Blvd, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90067
865 S. Figueroa St., Suite 3100, Los Angeles, CA 90017
3700 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 950, Los Angeles, CA 90010
3460 Ocean View Blvd, Suite F, Glendale, CA 91208
1400 N. Harbor Blvd., Suite 601, Fullerton, CA 92835
555 South Flower Street, 31st Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071
25909 Pala, Suite 300, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
355 South Grand Ave, Suite 2450, Los Angeles, CA 90071
4000 MacArthur Blvd., East Tower Suite 615, Newport Beach, CA 92660
9350 Wilshire Blvd, No. 203, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1400, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
2029 Century Park East, Suite 400N, Los Angeles, CA 90067
695 Town Center Drive, 17th Floor, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
3200 Park Center Dr, Suite 250, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
600 Anton Boulevard, Suite 900, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
626 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 460, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Laguna Hills 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 California?
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 California 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.