Miami Forgery and Counterfeiting Attorney

Forgery and counterfeiting allegations can lead to Florida criminal charges or federal criminal charges, depending on the conduct and the law involved. They involve the intent to deceive or defraud another person or entity by making or altering a false document or instrument. You may face severe punishment and long-term consequences if convicted of forgery or counterfeiting. You need the counsel of an experienced Miami forgery and counterfeiting attorney if you or a loved one has been arrested or investigated for forgery or counterfeiting. Hiring a skilled criminal defense lawyer will maximize your chances of resolving your case with a favorable outcome.

Our firm handles forgery and counterfeiting cases as part of its broader fraud defense practice.

What are Forgery and Counterfeiting?

Under Florida Statute § 831.01, forgery involves falsely making, altering, forging, or counterfeiting a document covered by the statute with intent to injure or defraud someone. Covered documents include deeds, wills, checks, and certain other legal or financial records.

Knowingly offering a forged document as genuine, with intent to injure or defraud someone, can constitute uttering a forged instrument under Florida Statute § 831.02. The person presenting the document need not be the person who forged it.

Counterfeiting generally involves making an imitation intended to pass as genuine, such as counterfeit currency. The applicable law depends on what was made, altered, possessed, or used.

Depending on the facts and the statute involved, forgery, uttering, counterfeiting, and related document offenses may include:

  • Creating a fake document from scratch, such as a fake driver’s license or passport.
  • Altering a genuine document, such as changing the amount on a check or altering a deed to transfer property.
  • Using a genuine document with knowledge that it has been altered, such as cashing a check that has been altered to show a higher amount.
  • Signing someone else’s name on a document without their permission, such as signing a check not made to you.
  • Creating a fake instrument, such as a fake bond or stock certificate.
  • Using a genuine instrument with the knowledge that it has been altered, such as using a genuine bond or stock certificate that has been altered to show a higher value.
  • Producing fake stamps or seals, such as creating a fake government seal.
  • Producing fake currency, such as printing counterfeit bills or altering genuine bills.

What are the Penalties for Forgery & Counterfeiting?

In Florida, forgery under section 831.01 and uttering a forged instrument under section 831.02 are third-degree felonies. Each generally carries up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Neither offense requires a large financial loss. Sentencing enhancements or laws allowing higher fines may apply in some cases.

Counterfeiting penalties depend on the specific charge. For example, making or altering U.S. currency with intent to defraud can carry up to 20 years in federal prison under 18 U.S.C. § 471.

A genuine check can also lead to worthless-check charges if the person issuing it knows that sufficient funds or credit are unavailable. A check does not have to be forged to support that charge.

Contact an Experienced Miami Forgery & Counterfeiting Lawyer

If you are charged with forgery or counterfeiting, it is extremely important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An experienced Miami forgery and counterfeiting lawyer:

  • Will be familiar with the laws and legal procedures related to forgery and counterfeiting cases and can provide you with knowledgeable and effective representation.
  • Will be able to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and use them to your advantage in negotiating a plea bargain or fighting the charges in court.
  • Will be able to advise you on the potential penalties you may face if you are convicted and will work with you to develop a strategy to minimize those penalties.
  • Will be able to provide you with emotional support and guidance as you navigate the criminal justice system.

In short, hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Miami can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your forgery or counterfeiting case.

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