Top Ashburn, VA Counterfeit Money Lawyers Near You
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.
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
Experience Matters When So Much Is On The Line. Representing Clients In All States For Federal Criminal Defense
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
Fed Trouble? Free Consult. Former Prosecutor & Team Former Federal Agents. Call/Text 24/7. Immediate Response Guaranteed!
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
AGRESSIVE REPRESENTATION MATTERS. Putting your case in the hands, of an experienced attorney, matters. Don't trust your case to an associate attorney at a big firm. Call 24/7.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
205 Van Buren St, Suite 120, Herndon, VA 20170
8444 Westpark Drive, Suite 510, McLean, VA 22102
916 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
8000 Towers Crescent Drive, 14th Floor, Tysons Corner, VA 22182
1650 Tysons Blvd, Suite 400, McLean, VA 22102
1650 Tysons Blvd., Suite 700, McLean, VA 22102
8350 Broad Street, Suite 1500, Tysons Corner, VA 22102
12500 Fair Lakes Circle, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22033
8350 Broad St, Suite 1600, Tysons, VA 22102
1300 Old Chain Bridge Road, Suite 3, McLean, VA 22101
1650 Tysons Boulevard, McLean, VA 22102
One Freedom Square, Reston Town Center, 11951 Freedom Drive, Reston, VA 20190
9255 Center St, Suite 300B, Manassas, VA 20110
3079 Woods Cove Lane, Woodbridge, VA 22192
7900 Tysons One Place, Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102
10660 Page Avenue, Suite 4144, Fairfax, VA 22030
1650 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 1700, Tysons Corner, VA 22102
11911 Freedom Drive, Suite 300, Reston, VA 20190
140B Purcellville Gateway Drive, #511, Purcellville, VA 20132
1750 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 1000, McLean, VA 22102
8000 Towers Crescent Drive, Suite 1200, Vienna, VA 22182
8200 Greensboro Drive, Suite 701, McLean, VA 22102
3190 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 800, Falls Church, VA 22042
8100 Boone Boulevard, Suite 630, Vienna, VA 22182
4023 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 5, Fairfax, VA 22030
Ashburn Counterfeit Money Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Counterfeit Money attorneys in Ashburn and checks their standing with Virginia bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
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 Virginia?
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 Virginia 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.