Counterfeiting

Miami Counterfeiting Lawyer

Skilled Advocacy For Those Accused Of Counterfeiting

If you have been accused of counterfeiting, it is crucial that you speak with an attorney about your case right away. Because of the impact these offenses have on individuals and society, the federal government is thorough in its investigation and harsh in its prosecution. A conviction for a counterfeiting offense can result in years of imprisonment and steep fines. Retaining legal representation as soon as possible, even in the early stages of your case, is vital for building a defense to attack the allegations.
Developing an aggressive legal strategy takes a considerable amount of time and resources.

I am attorney Jonathan Blecher, and I am ready to dedicate the effort necessary to fight the charge against you. I have over 30 years of experience and have helped thousands of people through complex criminal matters. As a former Florida prosecutor, I am familiar with the tactics the other side uses to attempt to obtain a conviction, and I will use this insight to protect your rights and freedoms. Recognizing that good people make mistakes and may have been falsely accused of criminal behavior, I will listen to your side of the story and ensure your voice is heard.

For defense from a Miami counterfeiting attorney ready to do what it takes for you, call my firm, Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A., at (786) 977-9355 or contact me online today.

What Is Counterfeiting?

In general, and in the simplest terms, counterfeiting involves making a fake document, item, or other official instrument. Typically, counterfeiters do so to defraud another person and unlawfully obtain something of value for themselves.

One of the most common types of counterfeiting is printing fake money. In today’s age of technology, a range of tools are available for this to be done in one’s own home.

However, although there are accessible means of making false bills, that does not make the conduct acceptable. As mentioned before, counterfeiting offenses can affect both individuals and society, and with creating fake money, that is especially true. Counterfeiting money can harm the U.S. financial system. As such, the United States Secret Service, the agency tasked with investigating alleged counterfeiting crimes, adamantly pursues individuals or groups suspected of such acts.

Counterfeiting crimes can involve a range of documents and instruments besides money. These can include, but are not limited to:

Stamps
Military papers
Court seals
Contracts

Is Counterfeiting A Federal Crime?

Although various instances exist where conduct violates state laws, counterfeiting is typically considered a federal crime because of the types of instruments involved in these offenses and how they are used.

Chapter 25 of Title 18 of the United States Code concerns counterfeiting and forgery crimes. It contains nearly 50 statutes prohibiting various kinds of illegal conduct involving the counterfeiting of U.S. and foreign obligations or securities, coins, stamps, and other official documents and instruments.

A few of the federal laws concerning counterfeiting include:

18 U.S.C. § 471: Under this statute, it is unlawful for any person, with the intent to
defraud, to make a false obligation or security of the U.S.
18 U.S.C. § 472: Anyone who, with the intent to defraud, utters, publishes, or sells a
counterfeit U.S. obligation or security may be prosecuted under this statute.
18 U.S.C. § 474: This law prohibits persons from possessing or making a stone, plate, or
image that can be or has been used to print a counterfeit U.S. security
or obligation.
18 U.S.C. § 477: A person commits an offense under this law if they illegally possess or
sell an image or impression used for printing or stamping a U.S. security
or obligation.
18 U.S.C. § 495: Making, uttering, or presenting a false contract, deed, or power of attorney
to obtain money from the government is prohibited under this law.
18 U.S.C. § 498: Under this law, a person may be charged with an offense if they forge
or falsify a military discharge certificate or possess such a certificate
knowing that it is fake.
18 U.S.C. § 501: Forging or counterfeiting a postage stamp or making, using, or selling
a fake postage stamp are all acts prohibited under this law.
18 U.S.C. § 505: It is unlawful for any person to forge the signature of a judge or other
court personnel or the seal of a court.

As noted earlier, there are dozens of federal counterfeiting statutes. Whatever offense you have been accused of, I am ready to defend you. I am an aggressive Miami counterfeiting lawyer with an in-depth understanding of the federal judicial system and can help you through your case.

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What Is The Punishment For Counterfeiting?

Generally, the penalties for a federal counterfeiting conviction are harsh. The specific punishments that can be imposed depend on the statute under which the offense was prosecuted.

Examples of counterfeiting punishments include, but are not limited to:

Counterfeiting a U.S. obligation or security:
- Up to 20 years of imprisonment
Uttering counterfeit obligations or securities:
- Up to 20 years of imprisonment
Possessing or making plates, stones, or images:
- Up to 25 years of imprisonment
Possessing or selling impressions for counterfeiting:
- Up to 25 years of imprisonment
Counterfeiting contracts, deeds, or powers of attorney:
- Up to 10 years of imprisonment
Counterfeiting military or naval documents:
- Up to 1 year of imprisonment
Counterfeiting postage stamps:
- Up to 5 years of imprisonment
Counterfeiting court seals or judges’ signatures:
- Up to 5 years of imprisonment

A fine may also be assessed in addition to or in lieu of incarceration.

Being found guilty of any offense can severely impact you for the rest of your life. A counterfeiting lawyer in Miami can seek to minimize or avoid penalties. Allow me to provide the legal representation you need. I will work hard toward obtaining an optimal outcome for you.