Counterfeiting Defense Attorney in Utah
Counterfeiting laws in Utah are covered under the state’s Forgery statutes. Counterfeiting covers not only the crime of making fake currency but also making forged documents such as driver’s licenses and other government-issued documents. The crime is taken so seriously in Utah, as well as in the United States, that the US Attorney will likely file federal charges against you in addition to the state-level forgery charges if you are caught making or creating counterfeit money or documents.
This is why it’s important that you speak with a counterfeiting defense lawyer as soon as you are charged with a crime.
Our criminal defense attorneys at Wasatch Defense Lawyers are here to listen to your case and defend you in a court of law if you have been charged with forgery or counterfeiting in Utah.
Counterfeiting Laws in Utah
Counterfeiting is considered a third-degree felony forgery crime in the state of Utah. In addition to covering counterfeit money laws, the statute covers crimes that include forging the following:
- Securities
- Postage stamps
- Military passes or documents
- Government-issued IDs
- Any legal documents or government documents of any kind
It’s also a separate crime to possess any of the implements used to create forged documents or money. All of the relevant forgery laws are covered in the statutes in Title 76 of the Utah Criminal Code under 76-6-501, found here.
Consequences You Face if Found Guilty of Counterfeiting in Utah
The penalties for counterfeiting crime and forgery in Utah are serious. Because it is a third degree felony, a single count of forgery can carry up to a $5,000 fine and up to five years in prison. Forgery is often a “companion crime” which involves the commission of an additional crime. For example, if a person creates a forged check and then successfully passes that check in-exchange for goods or services, they would be charged with forgery in addition to Theft by Deception under Utah’s criminal statutes.
Keep in mind that these are the penalties for state-level counterfeiting crimes in Utah. If a person is also charged with counterfeiting at the federal level, they can face up to 20 years in prison for each count they are found guilty of, in addition to tens of thousands of dollars in fines.
Choose the Wasatch Defense Lawyers for Your Counterfeiting Case?
- Client-Centered Approach
- Our Aggressive Approach Gets Favorable Results
- Cost-Effective Legal Service
- Military Discounts Available
- Fluent German and Spanish Speaking Attorneys
Charged With Counterfeiting Crime In Utah? Schedule A Free Case Evaluation today!
No matter how baseless the charges against you may seem, prosecutors may send you to prison for many years if you are found guilty of counterfeiting under the state’s forgery laws. You need an experienced counterfeiting defense lawyer on your side who is willing to fight your case and fight for your freedom. Being charged with a counterfeiting crime can destroy your reputation and your life if you do not have a dedicated defense attorney to plead your case before the court system.
