Have a company policy on rounding cash transactions due to the elimination of the penny and post in a prominent place. It is against the law to knowingly use a counterfeit bill or to keep one without a lawful reason. If you suspect a bill is counterfeit: Politely explain your concerns to the customer and request another bill Advise the customer to check the note with the local police Notify the local police of a possible attempt to pass counterfeit money.
Avoid putting yourself and your employees at risk. Be courteous to the customer; they may be an innocent victim, unaware the bill is suspicious.
As in the above hypothetical scenario, a defendant may argue a lack of knowledge that the currency was counterfeit. With such a defense, the defendant's attorney attempts to persuade the jury or the judge, if the case is being tried without a jury that the defendant did not know that the cash used was counterfeit and therefore could not have the intended to defraud the recipient.
If the counterfeit bills are poor quality forgeries, the prosecutor may counter the defense by asserting that the defendant could not have reasonably believed that the forgeries were legitimate bills. The prosecutor may also counter the defendant's lack-of-knowledge defense by arguing that the defendant's behavior indicates knowledge that the cash was counterfeit.
For example, the prosecutor may introduce evidence that the defendant acted unusually when making the purchase with the fake cash. Such evidence may include witness testimony that the defendant acted nervously when making the transaction.
If you are charged with using counterfeit currency, you should speak with an attorney immediately. A conviction under federal or state law for passing forged money can carry a lengthy prison sentence. An attorney will evaluate your case and explore possible defenses to the charge. An attorney will provide essential guidance throughout the criminal process, all while protecting your liberty and ensuring the most favorable outcome for your case.
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Market Your Law Firm. Lawyer Directory. Call us at 1 Crimes Involving the Use of Counterfeit Currency The use of counterfeit currency can violate both federal and state law. Federal Crimes Under federal law, the use or attempted use of counterfeit currency is illegal if the person has the intent to defraud the recipient. State Crimes States also punish people who use counterfeit currency. Criminal Intent In order to convict a defendant of this crime, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant acted with criminal intent.
Blog Menu. Business Know-How Powered by. Treasury also offer these suggestions: Hold a bill up to a light and look for a hologram showing an image that matches the face of the individual on the bill. Watermark: Hold the bill up to a light to view the watermark in an unprinted space to the right of the portrait. The watermark can be seen from both sides of the bill since it is not printed on the bill but is imbedded in the paper.
Security Thread: Hold he bill a light to view the security thread. You will see a thin imbedded strip running from top to bottom on the face of a banknote. Microprinting can be found around the portrait as well as on the security threads. Fine Line Printing Patterns: Very fine lines have been added behind the portrait and on the reverse side scene to make it harder to reproduce.
Comparison: Compare the feel and texture of the paper with other bills you know are authentic. Treasury advises you to do the following: Do not put yourself in danger. Do not return the bill to the passer. Delay the passer with some excuse, if possible.
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