Currency Reporting Crimes

Counterfeit currency statutes make it unlawful to possess fake currency in certain amounts as well as make it unlawful to possess devices used to make fake currency. Both federal and Florida laws include heavy fines and severe criminal penalties, including potential mandatory/minimum sentences of up to 25 years and maximum potential sentences of up to life. Mr. Petruzzi has represented numerous individuals charged with, or under investigation for, counterfeit currency offenses by both federal and state authorities. His experience and knowledge serve as an invaluable asset to his clients.

Federal counterfeit currency offenses are investigated and prosecuted by various agencies, including the FBI, DEA, IRS, Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice. Some common federal statutes criminalizing counterfeit currency include:

18 USC Sec. 492 –

All counterfeits of any coins or obligations or other securities of the United States or of any foreign government, or any articles, devices, and other things made, possessed, or used in violation of this chapter or of sections 331-333, 335, 336, 642 or 1720, of this title, or any material or apparatus used or fitted or intended to be used, in the making of such counterfeits, articles, devices or things, found in the possession of any person without authority from the Secretary of the Treasury or other proper officer, shall be forfeited to the United States.

Whoever, having the custody or control of any such counterfeits, material, apparatus, articles, devices, or other things, fails or refuses to surrender possession thereof upon request by any authorized agent of the Treasury Department, or another proper officer, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

Florida counterfeit currency offenses are investigated and prosecuted by various state and local law enforcement agencies. Some common Florida statutes criminalizing counterfeit currency include:

831.15 Counterfeiting coin; having 10 or more such coins in possession with intent to utter – Whoever counterfeits any gold, silver, or any metallic money coin, current by law or usage within this state, or has in his or her possession at the same time 10 or more pieces of false money, or coin counterfeited in the similitude of any gold, silver or metallic coin; current as aforesaid, knowing the same to be false and counterfeit, and with intent to utter or pass the same as true, shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s.775.084.