Counterfeiting Defense Lawyers in Hollywood, FL
Helping Clients Get Their Charges Reduced or Dismissed
When most people hear the word counterfeit, they think of counterfeit money that was illegally produced. While creating legal tender without permission is a serious federal crime, there are other ways to violate federal law, such as forging important documents or falsely selling a valuable item under counterfeit private labels.
Florida law strongly punishes those guilty of counterfeit and other white-collar crimes. A conviction for this criminal offense could result in a second-degree felony punishable by up to fifteen years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. A defense lawyer can help you understand the criminal charges brought against you and will help uncover evidence that proves you do not deserve maximum sentencing.
When you need a counterfeit defense lawyer in the Hollywood, FL, area, you can rely on our team of attorneys at Magilligan Law. We have helped countless clients avoid federal prison for charges regarding forged bank documents, counterfeit goods, fake paper money, and other issues. We know how to help craft the perfect criminal defense to ensure your rights are protected and get you the most favorable outcome possible. Call right away to learn more about our West Palm Beach criminal defense team at 954-833-1454.
How is Counterfeiting Defined in Florida?
At one point in time, counterfeiting cases mostly involved counterfeit money and resulted in severe penalties, including the death penalty. In recent decades, these cases have expanded to include criminal offenses such as falsely representing a product as a private label or forging legal documents.
Many fraudulent acts may constitute a counterfeiting crime, including:
- Counterfeit currency
- Replication of official signatures
- Forged bank documents possession
- Production or possession of fake medical documents/identification cards
- Fake I.D., including driver’s license or passport
- Blank prescription slips
- Possession of instruments to create counterfeit documents
- Fake checks or other bank documents possession
If the federal authorities have detained or are questioning you regarding alleged counterfeit goods or documents, you should know that you have certain rights under federal and Florida state law. You have the right to speak with an attorney for help navigating the investigation process and to provide an adequate case in your defense. Call our counterfeit attorneys immediately to learn more about how we can help in a 15-minute free consultation.
What Are the Legal Penalties for a Counterfeiting Conviction?
If you are convicted, the severity of your penalties depends on the seriousness of your crimes. For example, if you produced or sold less than 100 counterfeit goods, you may only be punished by a first-degree misdemeanor and would spend up to one year in jail. On the other hand, if you counterfeited or sold more than 100 items and less than 1,000 items, your charges could be considered a third-degree felony, resulting in up to five years in prison. The most serious counterfeit charges occur if you sell or produce over 1,000 items, which would mean second-degree felony charges and up to 15 years in prison.
Please don’t forget that there are more consequences to a criminal conviction than time behind bars. Once you’ve paid your dues, you may continue to face social stigma because of your criminal history. This can make finding a place to live or obtaining gainful employment difficult. You may also find it challenging to get a professional license or keep custody of your children. Call our West Palm Beach counterfeiting lawyers today to fight a conviction and get your sentence reduced as much as possible.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me with My Counterfeiting Case?
Many prosecutors take an aggressive stance against those accused of counterfeiting, often leading to unfair convictions that the person did not deserve. One of the best ways you can protect yourself when facing charges of a federal offense like counterfeiting is to hire a trusted legal professional to handle your case. Your attorney can ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process and help you appeal a conviction that was based on trial error.
A lawyer is an excellent guide when it comes to the complex Florida legal system. Your attorney can advise you on how to interact with the federal agencies handling your case. This can ensure you don’t accidentally incriminate yourself by answering questions you didn’t need to or making statements that negatively affect your case. Your lawyer can also help fight charges for federal offenses by proving you did not produce fake currency or other items considered counterfeit. To learn more about how our attorneys can help provide a powerful defense in your counterfeit case, reach out to our law offices today.
Should You Hire Our Counterfeiting Defense Attorneys?
Whether you are accused of forgery, falsely labeling expensive items, or counterfeiting money, you can rely on our team of skilled legal professionals to provide the legal advice and representation you need at this critical time. We can help you avoid the devastating effects of a conviction for the various federal crimes you may be facing. Our confident attorneys have extensive experience in federal court, giving us the edge we need to get positive outcomes no matter what challenges you may be facing.
If you have been charged with producing or selling counterfeit items, dealing in counterfeit currency, or possessing materials intended for counterfeit production, you need immediate legal help to avoid the long-term consequences of a conviction. Our team of compassionate, aggressive attorneys will listen carefully to your story and leave no stone unturned as we investigate the truth about what happened. We will answer your questions carefully using terminology you can understand so you will be an active participant throughout the legal process.
Call Magilligan Law right away at 954-833-1454 to schedule your complimentary 15-minute case review. Our attorneys are waiting to meet with you in your no-risk, free consultation to discuss your unique situation and get you the excellent defense and representation you deserve.