Houston Federal Counterfeiting Charges Lawyer

FEDERAL COUNTERFEITING CHARGES DEFENSE LAWYER – HOUSTON, TX

Counterfeiting involves the use of monetary instruments for illegal financial gain. Counterfeiting currency can be filed under a variety of federal and state laws. Preparing an effective defense against counterfeiting or forgery charges requires the expertise of a knowledgeable Houston white-collar crimes lawyer.

To Be Charged With Counterfeiting

Counterfeiting crimes can fall within a number of legal categories. Many modern technologies, including a growing selection of sophisticated publishing and printing products, have made it a good deal easier to create convincing fake financial instruments. The following activities are subject to prosecution by state or federal authorities:

  • False checking accounts: Counterfeit currency charges can be filed for printing or knowingly using checks related to a phantom bank account. A fake check typically includes the name and logo of a legitimate banking institution as well as realistic account and routing numbers.
  • Altering checks: Counterfeiters wash real checks for the purpose of changing or altering vital information.
  • Trademark counterfeiting: Using a protected trademark that is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or the state of Texas without permission is a counterfeiting offense.
  • Fake inspection certificate: Displaying a fake Texas vehicle inspection certificate to deceive law enforcement officials is illegal.

Bogus Currency

When it comes to counterfeit bills charges, fake money is usually the first thing that comes to mind. It seems as though bogus currency has been around forever, but the technology revolution has opened new doors of opportunity for ingenious fraudsters. The United States Department of the Treasury has returned the favor, of course, in an attempt to rid the economy of funny money.

Money counterfeiting is legally defined as the trafficking, possession, or manufacturing of fake currency. Nevertheless, the prosecution is required to prove that an alleged perpetrator had knowledge of the crime. The prosecutor must show that the person facing counterfeit currency charges knew about the sham currency. This is a high standard to meet, and a skilled counterfeiting defense lawyer may be able to negotiate a reduction in charges or a case dismissal.

CONSULT WITH A COUNTERFEIT BILLS LAWYER IN HOUSTON, TX

All white-collar crimes deserve the attention of a veteran fraud defense lawyer. A successful defense strategy demands specialized legal knowledge. Extensive jury trial experience is also important because it may be necessary to convince a jury that the defendant did not possess the requisite know-how that is necessary to create deceptive documents or currency.

Federal criminal defense lawyer James Alston has an exceptional record of successfully defending clients who have been charged with counterfeiting and other white-collar criminal offenses.