At our Newark, New Jersey, firm we have the necessary skills, knowledge and resources to achieve the best possible outcome in your particular federal criminal case. To discuss your situation with a seasoned Newark criminal defense lawyer with nearly 40 years of experience, it’s important that you contact us today.

Federal or state law enforcement may spend months or even years conducting investigations before a financial crime charge is leveled against someone. All that time is used to gather evidence and build a case against the person to be accused.

Can you be charged with using counterfeit money if you didn’t know it was fake?

A retailer, merchant, or individual may be defrauded by unknowingly accepting counterfeit currency. The person who uses counterfeit cash to purchase goods or services may be arrested and charged with a crime or crimes. But what if the person who has offered the false money claims to have not known that the money was counterfeit? Has the person actually committed a crime? Can you really get into trouble for unknowingly passing counterfeit money?

In order to convict a defendant of this crime, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant acted with criminal intent.

In the context of charges stemming from the alleged use of counterfeit currency, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant acted with the intent to defraud. A person charged with using counterfeit currency may have one or more defenses available. As with all criminal charges, the prosecutor must prove every element of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt in order to obtain a conviction.

Get the Help You Need

If you are charged with using counterfeit currency, you should speak with a federal criminal defense attorney in Newark immediately. A conviction under federal or state law for passing forged money can carry a lengthy prison sentence.

The truth of the matter is that in our modern world, things can happen. Unknowingly passing counterfeit money is a thing that can and does happen, but it is always in your best interest to bring in a lawyer who will work hard to defend your rights. You deserve to have a team who understands the inner workings of the legal system and that’s exactly what you’ll get at the Law Offices of Robert J. DeGroot. We’ll be here for you when you need help the most. Contact us today.