Hiring a West Palm Beach Attorney to Defend Against Counterfeiting Charges
Getting charged with counterfeiting can be an extremely serious matter, potentially leading to felony charges and years behind bars. If you or a loved one are facing accusations of counterfeiting in West Palm Beach, it’s crucial that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight the charges. An attorney who specializes in defending counterfeiting cases can analyze the evidence, identify any police misconduct or other constitutional violations, and build the strongest possible defense on your behalf.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of common counterfeiting charges in Florida, typical defenses, and what to look for when hiring a West Palm Beach attorney to take your case. We’ll also share tips on finding the right lawyer for your specific situation.
Common Counterfeiting Charges in Florida
There are several Florida laws that prohibit various forms of counterfeiting and forgery[1]. Some of the most common charges include:
- Counterfeiting currency – Making or possessing tools to create fake U.S. or foreign currency
- Counterfeiting coins – Making or possessing tools to create fake coins
- Forgery – Falsely altering, creating, or signing a document without authorization
- Possessing forged instruments – Possessing a forged document, even if you weren’t the one who created it
- Uttering forged instruments – Attempting to circulate or transmit a forged document, such as trying to cash a forged check
These charges can lead to felony convictions with maximum sentences of 5, 15, or even 30 years in prison depending on the circumstances. It’s absolutely vital that you work with an attorney to avoid a conviction and lengthy incarceration.
Possible Defenses Against Counterfeiting Charges
When building your defense, your West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer will aim to show either that you didn’t actually commit the crime, or that there are special circumstances that should lead to reduced charges or penalties. Some potential counterfeiting defenses include[2]:
- You didn’t know the item was counterfeit
- Someone else created the counterfeit item without your knowledge
- You were coerced or threatened into participating in the crime
- You have an addiction that caused you to act out of character
- The police violated your rights in some way during the investigation
An experienced attorney will thoroughly examine the facts of your case to determine which defenses could potentially apply.
Finding the Right West Palm Beach Counterfeiting Lawyer
When your freedom is on the line, you need an aggressive and strategic defense lawyer on your side. Here are some tips for finding the right attorney to defend against your counterfeiting charges[3]:
- Look for a lawyer who specializes specifically in counterfeiting and forgery defense. An attorney who regularly handles these cases will know the most effective strategies.
- Make sure they have extensive trial experience and are willing to take your case to trial if necessary. The prosecution may become more willing to reduce charges if they know your lawyer isn’t afraid of the courtroom.
- Find someone who is familiar with local judges, prosecutors, and police. Those connections can often lead to better outcomes.
- Choose a lawyer you feel comfortable with and who will give your case personal attention. You want someone who will listen and who you can be honest with.
- Avoid attorneys who overpromise or guarantee certain results. No one can guarantee an acquittal or dropped charges.
Be sure to ask prospective lawyers about their experience, case results, litigation strategies, and client communications style. It’s smart to consult with a few different attorneys before deciding who to hire.
The Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer Early On
It’s absolutely vital that you have a lawyer on your side from the very beginning of your case, ideally even before you are arrested or charged. Here are some key benefits of early representation[4]:
- They can intervene before charges are filed to try to prevent an arrest altogether.
- They can start investigating and gathering favorable evidence right away before it disappears.
- If you are arrested, they can work to get you out on bail quickly.
- They can protect your rights and prevent you from accidentally making statements against your own interests.
- The earlier they get involved, the more time they have to build the strongest defense strategy.
Don’t wait to hire an attorney – get experienced legal help on your side immediately to take control of the situation.
The Cost of a Good Defense Lawyer
Hiring a top defense lawyer to fight felony criminal charges isn’t cheap. However, it’s far less expensive than losing your case. Factor in the immense costs of fines, restitution, incarceration, probation, and the lifelong impact of a felony conviction on your record. A good lawyer has the skills to potentially avoid all of that – and is well worth the investment[5].
Reputable attorneys will often offer flexible payment plans to spread costs over time. They may also have access to defense resources and experts at lower rates than you could get on your own. Don’t let the initial sticker shock prevent you from hiring the best lawyer you can – it’s your future at stake.
Get Started Fighting Your Charges Today
Being accused of counterfeiting can turn your life upside down. Don’t leave your fate in the hands of prosecutors – hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights. Look for attorneys with proven records of success in counterfeiting cases. The right lawyer will thoroughly examine the evidence, identify weaknesses, raise doubts, and build compelling defenses on your behalf. Don’t wait to get experienced legal representation on your side.
For more information or to schedule a free case evaluation, contact our office today. An aggressive defense lawyer can make all the difference.
References:
[1] https://criminalattorneynow.com/white-collar-defense/counterfeiting/[2] https://www.rpfoley.com/forgery.html
[3] https://www.gabriellawteam.com/counterfeiting/
[4] https://www.loganlawyer.com/steven-m-logan.html
[5] https://www.rpfoley.com/racketeering.html