Counterfeiting is a serious criminal act that can lead to state or federal charges in Pomona, CA. You could face incredibly harsh penalties if you are accused of counterfeiting money, legal documents, and many other objects.
Fortunately, you can get help addressing a counterfeiting accusation by reaching out to the Simmrin Law Group. Our counterfeiting lawyers in Pomona can help you deal with these charges. Let us build a defense for you if you are charged with counterfeiting in either the state or federal court system.
Get Help with Counterfeiting Accusations in State Court
We mentioned that you could be charged in either state or federal court if you are accused of counterfeiting. The state court system generally does not punish counterfeiting as harshly, so let’s go over those charges first.
You could be prosecuted in the state court system of California if you are accused of counterfeiting:
- California’s state seal
- A California driver’s license or identification card
- Tickets for a railroad or public transportation system
- Gold bullion, bars, nuggets, lumps, or dust
Generally, state charges for counterfeiting are prosecuted as forgery, under Penal Code Section 470. A criminal defense lawyer in Pomona can help you defend yourself if you were accused of counterfeiting in the state court system.
For a free legal consultation with a counterfeiting lawyer serving Pomona, call (310) 896-2723
Deal with Federal Charges for Counterfeiting in Pomona
The federal court system handles many counterfeiting accusations. Any act of counterfeiting that involves currency will be prosecuted in federal court, for example. The federal court system also deals with counterfeiting related to:
- Military documents
- Government documents
- Legal documents
- Ship’s papers
- Letters patents
- Postage stamps
- Securities
You should be aware that these are only examples of counterfeited items that can lead to federal charges in Pomona. You could also face criminal charges if you are accused of:
- Possessing tools used in counterfeiting
- Buying, selling, trading, transferring, or delivering counterfeit material
A federal crimes lawyer in Pomona can help you deal with any federal counterfeiting charge. Due to the serious nature of federal charges, it is important that you get professional help on your side as quickly as possible after an arrest.
Pomona Counterfeiting Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Results of a Conviction for Counterfeiting in Pomona
The outcome of a counterfeiting conviction can depend upon whether you are facing state or federal charges. The results of a conviction may also vary based on the objects that you are accused of counterfeiting. Let’s go over possible penalties right here.
Penalties for a State Counterfeiting Charge
As we discussed, counterfeiting on the state level is typically prosecuted as a forgery. You could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony for forgery. Misdemeanor convictions can lead to:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Jail time of up to one year
A felony conviction can result in:
- Fines of up to $10,000
- Jail time of up to three years
Penalties for a Federal Counterfeiting Charge
The federal court system hands down harsher penalties for counterfeiting convictions. This court can sentence you to fines of up to $250,000. You may also be sent to federal prison for:
- Five years for attempting to use or using gold bars, silver bars, or counterfeit coins
- Five years for counterfeiting postage stamps
- 10 years for forging a counterfeit note
- 15 years of making counterfeit gold bars, silver bars, or coins
- 25 years for counterfeiting currency or securities
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Build Your Defense with a Counterfeiting Lawyer
The harsh penalties for a counterfeiting conviction make it very important that you get professional help on your side right away. The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group can start working on your defense immediately. Depending upon your situation, we could work to show that:
You Did Not Intend to Counterfeit Anything
If you are found with materials used for counterfeiting, it does not automatically mean you intended to counterfeit something. A lawyer could work to show that you had legitimate reasons for possessing these tools or materials.
You Were the Victim of Police Misconduct
In some cases, police officers make arrests or search for evidence after disregarding the laws designed to protect citizens in the U.S. If you were illegally searched or subjected to another form of police misconduct, the charges you are facing could be dismissed.
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Speak with a Pomona Counterfeiting Lawyer Now
You can get the help you need to deal with counterfeiting charges by working with the Simmrin Law Group. Our counterfeiting lawyers in Pomona can go over your legal options today with a FREE initial case evaluation.
Let us assess your needs if you are facing federal or state charges. Call (310) 896-2723 or complete our online contact form to learn more.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form