Federal counterfeiting is a type of fraud that involves the falsification of government goods, documents, or currency, and comes with serious penalties if convicted. To protect yourself and your freedom, talk to an Oklahoma City federal crimes lawyer about your case. Josh Lee & Associates can fiercely defend you against charges.
Josh Lee & Associates Advocates for You in Oklahoma
Josh Lee & Associates provides representation when your case is up against the federal government. It is important to feel confident about the firm handling your OKC defense case, which is why we provide you with:
- More than 20 years of legal experience
- Fierce advocacy and solid defense strategies
- A committed team that works diligently for you from start to finish
How Counterfeiting is Defined Under Federal Law
Counterfeiting involves using, creating, or dispersing fake money or goods as real. At the federal level, this often includes counterfeit money, securities, banknotes, and federal documents, as outlined in 18 U.S.C. Chapter 25. Counterfeiting is intended to defraud the government or other applicable party for personal gain.
What Constitutes a Federal Crime
Not all counterfeiting offenses are felony offenses, so it is important to understand what constitutes a federal crime. Federal crimes are generally offenses committed against the government, take place on government property, or involve multiple states.
What Prosecutors Must Demonstrate in a Federal Counterfeiting Case
During a federal counterfeiting case, it is important to know what to expect from the case against you so you understand your defense options. Prosecutors are responsible for providing evidence that clearly connects you to the offense. They must show that you had the intent to commit a crime and commit fraud against the government, and must provide evidence that false goods or money were made, altered, or distributed. These factors must be conclusively shown before you can be convicted.
Federal Counterfeiting Offenses Can Receive Serious Penalties
Federal crimes generally carry weightier punishments since these crimes are generally considered more egregious than state-level offenses. Penalties for federal counterfeiting can vary depending on what was counterfeited. Convicted offenders could face up to 25 years in prison and also be subject to steep fines in addition to or instead of imprisonment. Given the severity of these penalties, you should talk to your criminal defense lawyer about what to do if you’re under investigation for fraud so you can protect your rights and the outcome of your case.
Defenses That Can Help Fight the Charges Against You
A strong defense is important for securing a better outcome in a federal case. Our team can argue that you lacked intent to commit a counterfeiting crime, did not have a counterfeited item, were wrongfully accused, or were the victim of an illegal search or seizure by law enforcement. We can not only challenge the case against you, but we can also protect your rights if processes or evidence are mishandled.
Face Federal Counterfeiting Charges With Representation from Josh Lee & Associates
Federal charges can completely derail your life, and you do not want to navigate the legal process alone. Josh Lee & Associates fiercely advocates for you and presents a strong defense to mitigate the charges and impact on your life. To understand your legal options and discuss defense strategies, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
