Criminal Defense Lawyers

Federal Counterfeiting Money Defense Lawyers

FEDERAL COUNTERFEITING CHARGES CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

They can destroy your reputation. They can lead to devastating consequences under federal law.

We understand. Our law firm is here to help you. 

We know the stakes are high when you’re confronted with allegations of counterfeiting federal money, and we know how frightening it can be if you or someone you love is under investigation for counterfeiting U.S. currency.

OUR TEAM IS HERE TO HELP YOU RIGHT NOW.

Regardless of where you are in the process.
Regardless of how severe the charges.
Regardless of what evidence you think the government has.

We fight.

We defend.

We protect.

COUNTERFEITING MONEY LAWS
18 U.S. Code § 471 (2018) is the law that provides the legal foundation for prosecuting counterfeiting activities in the United States. Under this statute, any person(you) who falsely makes, forges, counterfeits, or alters any obligation or security of the United States can face harsh penalties. The crime of counterfeiting is taken very seriously by federal authorities.. Convictions under 18 U.S. Code § 471 can result in significant fines, lengthy prison sentences, and a permanent felony record.

THE PENALTIES
If you are convicted of producing or dealing in counterfeit obligations, you can face up to 20 years in federal prison under 18 U.S. Code § 471–474 (2018). Additional fines can be imposed under 18 U.S.C. § 3571, which allows for substantial monetary penalties. In some situations, if there are multiple counts or additional related offenses—such as conspiracy to commit counterfeiting under 18 U.S.C. § 371—the penalties can skyrocket.

EXPERIENCED.
DEDICATED.
READY TO PROTECT YOU.

We frequently see confusion about what constitutes counterfeiting:

• Printing fake currency and passing it off as real, this is hard to defend
• Altering genuine bills to increase their apparent value, this can be argued as non-criminal
• Possessing or distributing equipment used for counterfeiting money, this can be argued as non-criminal
• Conspiring with others to circulate counterfeit bills

Each of these scenarios can lead to serious criminal charges. If you don’t have the right criminal defense attorney representing you, this can lead to jail time.

BUT GUESS WHAT?
We have over 50 years of combined experience handling complex federal cases like this. Our NYC criminal attorneys have been quoted by major news outlets, and we understand the intricacies of federal investigations.

OUR STRATEGIES
What do we do if you’re facing federal counterfeiting allegations? We craft a strategy that meets the specific facts and legal nuances of your case. We analyze the evidence, the chain of custody, and how the government obtained crucial documents or statements. We consider the role of intent. Under federal law, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you acted with intent to defraud. If we can get the case dismissed by throwing out evidence – we are not afraid of doing that.

INTENT IS KEY.
Without proof of fraudulent intent, a conviction for counterfeiting should not stand. That is why our primary line of defense might involve demonstrating that you lacked the necessary intent – without intent, criminal charges are harder to stick. In some situations, innocent possession of suspicious currency can be misinterpreted by the government as a criminal act. If law enforcement or prosecutors have no proof that you intentionally created, or distributed, counterfeit bills, we might move for a dismissal or negotiate for reduced charges.

WE PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

We scrutinize:

1. Investigative Tactics
   • Did the authorities conduct lawful searches and seizures?
   • Did they obtain any incriminating statements in violation of Miranda rights?
     (See Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966).)
2. Forensic Evidence
   • Were forensic tests properly administered on alleged counterfeit bills?
   • Do the government’s experts have the correct qualifications to testify?
   • Are we able to bring in our own specialized experts to refute their claims?
3. Chain of Custody
   • Can the prosecution prove an unbroken chain of custody for the physical evidence?
   • If there are discrepancies, we file motions to suppress or exclude evidence.
4. Witness Credibility
   • Are there government witnesses with questionable motives or inconsistent statements?
   • We investigate their backgrounds and dig into any potential bias or incentive to lie.

WE GET IT.
We realize how scary it is to face the possibility of long-term imprisonment, life-altering fines, and a permanent stain on your record. The simple thought of a federal felony is enough to keep anyone up at night. Our attorneys are here to reassure you that solutions do exist. You just need to speak to us.

AND HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE:
You need a solid legal defense that leaves no stone unturned.

COUNTERFEITING AND RELATED OFFENSES
Often, counterfeiting charges don’t come alone. Prosecutors might stick additional charges like wire fraud, mail fraud, or conspiracy if the alleged conduct involved multiple people or interstate transactions. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Wire Fraud) and 18 U.S.C. § 1341 (Mail Fraud), penalties can add years to a prison sentence and substantially increase fines.

Conspiracy charges under 18 U.S.C. § 371 commonly arise when two or more individuals allegedly agree to commit a counterfeiting offense. The government loves conspiracy charges because they can be easier to prove than the underlying crime itself. This means they’ll convict you on something, bottom line. Even an agreement or plan can be enough to bring conspiracy allegations.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU’RE ACCUSED OF COUNTERFEITING MONEY?

• Step One: Stay Silent
  If federal agents or local police question you about counterfeit bills, remain polite but exercise your right to remain silent. (See Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966).) Provide only basic identification details. Do not volunteer information.
• Step Two: Consult an Attorney Immediately
  A minor misstep in speaking with authorities can lead to severe consequences. An attorney experienced in federal defense will know precisely how to engage with investigators. We shield you from self-incrimination and help prevent unintentional admissions.
• Step Three: Gather Evidence
  Collect any documents, communications, or items related to the investigation. This includes digital correspondence, bank statements, receipts, or packaging for alleged equipment. Turn everything over to your defense team, not to the government.
• Step Four: Let Us Handle Negotiations
  Sometimes, an early approach from your attorney to the U.S. Attorney’s Office or Secret Service can clarify misunderstandings or negotiate lesser charges. Don’t try to handle this on your own—prosecutors are seasoned professionals.

“JUROR IN GHISLAINE MAXWELL MISTRIAL SCANDAL RETAINS ANNA SOROKIN’S LAWYER.”

That’s a headline example often used to demonstrate our firm’s media presence. We’ve handled high-profile cases, which means we are comfortable with complex investigations, intense media scrutiny, and the advanced tactics used by the government. We bring that same tenacity to every single counterfeiting case we handle.

AS SEEN ON

We’ve been featured or mentioned on major networks and publications for our work. We’re recognized for uncompromising defense and the ability to advocate for our clients under the harshest spotlights.

BUT THIS IS ABOUT YOU, NOT US.
You want to know what your life will look like in a few months or years if you’re facing federal charges. You want hope. You want facts. You want an exit strategy from this nightmare. And that’s why you’re here.

COUNTERFEITING PENALTIES: A CLOSER LOOK
Under the United States Sentencing Guidelines (U.S.S.G.), the base offense level for counterfeiting can be quite severe. Depending on the face value of the counterfeit obligations and the sophistication of the operation, the recommended prison term can exceed ten years. Adding enhancements—like using special printing equipment or involving minors—can escalate the recommended sentence.

However, judges have discretion, and your personal history, criminal background (or lack thereof), and other mitigating factors can influence sentencing. Sometimes, if we can prove that no substantial harm occurred or that you had a limited role in the operation, a reduced sentence becomes possible.

DEFENSE STRATEGIES: HOW WE’D DEFEND YOU
We never adopt a one-size-fits-all approach. Every counterfeiting case is unique, which is why we investigate thoroughly.

1. LACK OF INTENT
If we can show you didn’t know the currency you held or distributed was counterfeit, the government’s case weakens. Maybe you received the fake bills from someone else. Maybe you had no idea about any criminal scheme.

2. ILLEGAL SEARCH AND SEIZURE
If agents violated the Fourth Amendment by conducting a search without probable cause or a valid warrant, we’ll file a motion to suppress the evidence. (See Mapp v. Ohio, 367 U.S. 643 (1961).) Without the bills or equipment in evidence, the prosecution’s case might crumble.

3. ENTRAPMENT
Sometimes, government sting operations ensnare individuals who wouldn’t have committed the crime otherwise. If law enforcement induced you to participate in counterfeiting, and you had no predisposition to commit the crime, entrapment could be a viable defense.

4. MISIDENTIFICATION
Counterfeiting rings can be large, with multiple conspirators. If the government suspects you were part of the ring but has little evidence tying you to the production or distribution, we highlight that shaky identification to create reasonable doubt.

WE GET DOWN TO THE DETAILS
We bring in private investigators, forensic analysts, and specialized experts to dissect every piece of evidence. We’ll interview witnesses, locate surveillance footage, and gather any communication logs that might exonerate you. We believe in building a case from the ground up, leaving no holes for the prosecution to exploit.

DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS
Some law firms might push you to plead guilty without exploring the weaknesses in the government’s case. That’s not who we are. While we might consider plea negotiations when they’re in your best interest, we’ll never recommend a deal if we believe a fight could yield a better result. We’re not afraid to go to trial if that’s what victory demands.

THE LIFE-CHANGING CONSEQUENCES OF A FEDERAL FELONY
A felony conviction, especially for a financial crime like counterfeiting, can destroy your chances for many future opportunities. Employment, professional licenses, business partnerships, and even immigration status can be severely impacted. You owe it to yourself—and your family—to mount the strongest defense possible.

WHO ARE WE?
We are a team of highly experienced criminal defense attorneys who focus on serious federal matters. We’re known for handling cases that others say are unwinnable. Our mission is simple: Protect our clients. Win whenever possible. Fight relentlessly.

AS SEEN ON TV

We’ve given legal commentary on high-stakes cases. Our attorneys aren’t just familiar with the letter of the law—they also understand how to handle grand juries, federal agents, and federal prosecutors. Our knowledge of how the government builds its cases means we know exactly where to strike back.

WHY CHOOSE US FOR FEDERAL COUNTERFEITING DEFENSE?

• Expertise in Federal Courts
  We handle federal cases nationwide, understanding the unique procedures and sentencing guidelines that apply.
• Personal Attention
  We don’t treat you like another file number. We address your concerns, answer your calls, and keep you informed every step of the way.
• 24/7 AVAILABILITY
  Crises don’t wait for business hours. Neither do we. We are on standby to guide you through sudden developments, from arrests to surprise raids.
• Aggressive Defense Tactics
  Whether it’s filing pretrial motions or cross-examining expert witnesses, we go on the offensive to protect you.
• Track Record of Success
  Our past clients include high-profile individuals, business executives, and everyday people who found themselves entangled in federal investigations. We know how to deliver results.

CONSPIRACY: AN ADDED THREAT
Conspiracy to counterfeit can carry the same potential penalties as the underlying offense. Prosecutors might allege conspiracy when they suspect multiple participants, even if your involvement was peripheral. Under 18 U.S.C. § 371, you can face up to five years in prison, plus fines, for merely conspiring to commit counterfeiting—even if the actual counterfeiting never fully materialized.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER TO YOU?
Because the government could tack on conspiracy charges just to strengthen its negotiating position. This tactic often pressures defendants to accept plea bargains. With a vigilant defense team by your side, we can counter these pressures.

WHAT’S THE PROCESS IN A FEDERAL CASE?

1. Investigation
   You may first become aware of an investigation when agents show up at your home or workplace. Federal agencies like the Secret Service or FBI often lead these probes.
2. Grand Jury and Indictment
   The government typically seeks an indictment from a grand jury. If they believe sufficient evidence exists, a “true bill” is issued, formally charging you.
3. Arrest and Arraignment
   Once indicted, you’ll be arrested or asked to surrender. At the arraignment, you’ll enter a plea—usually not guilty—and bail conditions are set, unless you’re detained until trial.
4. Discovery
   The prosecution and defense exchange evidence. We review thousands of pages (or more) of documents, digital files, and lab reports to identify contradictions or weaknesses.
5. Pretrial Motions
   We might file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss counts, or compel discovery if the government hasn’t turned over everything they’re required to provide.
6. Plea Negotiations
   This is often the longest phase. We negotiate with federal prosecutors, discussing potential reductions in charges or sentencing recommendations. If we don’t reach an agreement that benefits you, we prepare for trial.
7. Trial
   A federal trial can be daunting. But we thrive in the courtroom. We cross-examine witnesses, challenge evidence, and argue every viable defense. Our focus: an acquittal or the best possible outcome.
8. Sentencing and Appeals
   If a conviction or guilty plea occurs, we advocate for leniency at sentencing. If the court imposes an unjust sentence, we explore the appeals process to protect your rights.

AS SEEN IN MAJOR NEWS OUTLETS
When the media spotlights a major financial crime or white-collar case, we’re often asked to weigh in. This media engagement showcases our real-world experience with intricate legal issues, including counterfeiting allegations.

CASE EXAMPLE (HYPOTHETICAL)
Imagine a situation where a small business owner is accused of accepting large numbers of counterfeit bills, then redistributing them to customers as change. The government claims the owner knew these bills were fake. However, we uncover evidence that the counterfeit currency was mixed with legitimate currency from a supplier’s deposit. The business owner never created or knowingly passed the fake bills—he was a victim of circumstance. Result? We could push the prosecution to dismiss or drastically reduce charges, based on lack of intent.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“I was facing federal charges related to counterfeit bills found at my store. These attorneys took on my case and uncovered proof that I never intended to defraud anyone. Eventually, the U.S. Attorney dropped the charges. They saved my life.”
(Anonymous Client)

WE FIGHT HARDER THAN ANYONE ELSE.
We dissect every page of evidence. We check every angle. We believe in giving you a second chance if you’ve made a mistake—or proving your innocence if you’re falsely accused.

CONTACT US FOR A RISK-FREE CONSULTATION
If you’re under federal investigation or have already been charged, don’t wait. Every minute counts when the stakes are this high. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case. We’ll explain your options and map out a plan of action.

THE COST OF DOING NOTHING IS TOO GREAT.

We know you value your future. We know your family depends on you. We never lose sight of the human element in federal prosecutions.

LET US BE YOUR CHAMPION.

IMPORTANT LEGAL DISCLAIMER
No recipient of content from this article—client or otherwise—should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from an attorney licensed in the recipient’s jurisdiction. The content of this article contains general information and may not reflect current legal developments, verdicts, or settlements. We expressly disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this article. Any information sent to us via email or other communication through this article is not secure and done so on a non-confidential basis. The transmission of this article, in part or in whole, and/or communication with us does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different; testimonials or endorsements found here do not guarantee similar results in your case.

CITATIONS

1. 18 U.S. Code § 471 (2018)
2. 18 U.S. Code § 474 (2018)
3. 18 U.S.C. § 3571
4. 18 U.S.C. § 371
5. Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966)
6. Mapp v. Ohio, 367 U.S. 643 (1961)