Counterfeiting Defense Attorney in Bend

Defending Your Future & Upholding Your Rights in Bend, OR

Facing counterfeiting charges can be daunting and overwhelming. At Ward Grover & Thomas, our team of skilled attorneys in Bend, OR, provides legal guidance and robust defenses designed to protect your rights and secure your future. With over 50 years of combined experience in state and federal courts, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Counterfeiting, which involves the unauthorized imitation of currency, goods, or documents, poses severe legal challenges. In Bend, where local law enforcement takes swift action against such offenses, understanding the legal intricacies is crucial. 

Our defense team makes it a priority to break down these complexities into understandable strategies for our clients. This isn't just about navigating the law but about proactively building a shield around your rights and your future. By interacting with local judicial systems and understanding the community's specific legal landscape, we ensure no stone is left unturned in forming a defense that stands firm against prosecution efforts.

We offer free consultations. Contact a counterfeiting defense attorney in Bend to protect your rights. Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Call (541) 312-5150 or reach out online.

Understanding Counterfeiting Laws in Oregon

In Oregon, the laws governing counterfeiting and other related offenses are complex and are often prosecuted at both the state and federal levels. State charges are primarily found in the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 165, which deals with Theft and Related Offenses. 

The federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 471, is often used for more severe cases involving large-scale operations or a significant amount of money. A knowledgeable counterfeiting defense attorney in Bend will meticulously analyze the specific statute under which you are charged to find any weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

To secure a conviction for counterfeiting, the prosecution must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

• Making, Altering, or Possessing: The state must prove that you made, altered, or possessed a counterfeit instrument. An "instrument" can be a wide variety of things, including money, checks, and other financial documents.
• Knowledge: The state must prove that you knew the instrument was counterfeit. This is a crucial element that a Bend counterfeiting defense lawyer can challenge, as a person who receives a counterfeit bill without knowing it is not guilty of the crime.
• Intent to Defraud: This is the most crucial element. The prosecution must prove that you had the specific intent to "utter" (pass or use) the counterfeit instrument with the intent to defraud another person.

The prosecution's case often relies on a combination of financial records, witness testimony, and complex forensic evidence. As a seasoned counterfeiting defense attorney in Bend, we will challenge the government's evidence at every turn, scrutinizing the methods used to collect and analyze the evidence and questioning the credibility of their witnesses.

Classifications and Degrees of the Counterfeiting Offense

In Oregon, counterfeiting is a serious criminal offense. 

The penalties increase significantly with the amount of money involved and whether the offense is a state or federal crime.

• Forgeries and Counterfeiting (ORS § 165.007): A conviction for forgery or counterfeiting is a Class C felony, punishable by a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $125,000.
• Federal Counterfeiting (18 U.S.C. § 471): This is a distinct and often more severe offense. A conviction for federal counterfeiting is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
• Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument (ORS § 165.013): This offense, which is also a Class C felony, applies to a person who possesses a forged instrument with the intent to utter it.
• Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card (ORS § 165.055): This offense is a Class A misdemeanor if the total amount of money or value of the goods is less than $750. However, if the amount is more than $750, it can be a felony.

Additional penalties are steep and often include:

• Probation and Supervised Release: A conviction will likely be followed by a period of supervised probation, during which you must adhere to strict conditions. A violation of these terms can lead to re-incarceration.
• Restitution: The court will order you to pay restitution to the victim for any monetary loss they suffered as a result of the crime.

Collateral Consequences

A criminal record for a financial crime, such as counterfeiting, can follow you for the rest of your life, making it incredibly difficult to find employment, obtain professional licenses, or secure housing. Many employers and professional licensing boards have zero-tolerance policies for these convictions, and landlords often deny rental applications to those with a criminal record.

Additionally, a felony conviction will result in a permanent ban on owning or possessing a firearm. For non-citizens, a conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation. The social stigma attached to these crimes can also damage your reputation and personal relationships.

Our Step-by-Step Approach to Counterfeiting Defense

At Ward Grover & Thomas, we follow a comprehensive approach to defend against counterfeiting charges. 

Here's what you can expect when you work with us:

• Initial Consultation: Discuss your case with us during a free initial consultation, where we assess the details and strategize.
• Case Investigation: Our access to a dedicated team of investigators aids in gathering critical evidence and uncovering the facts.
• Developing the Defense: We analyze every angle of your case and formulate a strategic defense plan tailored specifically to your situation.
• Regular Updates: We maintain open communication, regularly updating you on your case’s progress and ensuring you understand each step.
• Court Representation: Our seasoned attorneys are prepared to represent you fiercely in court, advocating for your rights at every turn.

Collaboration and transparency are at the heart of our defense methodology. From the outset, Ward Grover & Thomas believes in involving clients in their defense, ensuring that each decision reflects your needs and circumstances. 

Our seasoned criminal defense attorneys remain accessible throughout your consultation to answer questions and address concerns. More than mere legal representation, we strive for a partnership approach that empowers you to take control of your defense, bolstered by our expert guidance and insistent advocacy in every court setting.

Building a Strategic Defense Against Counterfeiting Charges in Bend

Every case is unique, and we develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. 

As a seasoned Bend counterfeiting defense lawyer, we will leverage every possible defense, including:

• Lack of Intent to Defraud: This is the most crucial element to challenge. The prosecution must prove that you had the specific intent to defraud. We can argue that your actions were a mistake, an oversight, or a misunderstanding.
• Lack of Knowledge: The prosecution must prove that you knew the instrument was counterfeit. We can argue that you were an innocent recipient of the counterfeit money and that you had no knowledge of its illicit nature.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. We will argue that the evidence presented is not sufficient to meet this high standard, either because the witness testimony is inconsistent or the forensic evidence is flawed.
• Constitutional Violations: We will challenge any violation of your rights, such as an unlawful search and seizure or a coerced confession.

Why Choose Our Counterfeiting Defense Services

At Ward Grover & Thomas, we prioritize creating an environment where our clients feel secure and informed about each step of their legal process. Our defense services stand out because of our dedication to crafting defenses that are dynamically suited to every client's particular needs.

Clients in Bend choose us for our:

• Extensive Experience: We bring over half a century of combined legal knowledge to every case.
• Specialized Defense Strategies: Our focus on crafting tailored strategies ensures that each client receives the personalized attention their case demands.
• Proven Track Record: Our team is known for successfully negotiating with prosecutors, presenting compelling evidence, and safeguarding the rights of our clients.
• Local Expertise: Our knowledge of Bend’s legal environment helps us anticipate challenges and maneuver through the local court systems effectively.

Drawing on significant experience with the Bend judicial system, we engage strategically with every case aspect, whether it's countering evidence presented by the prosecution or pursuing opportunities for charge reduction or dismissal. This proactive engagement not only sets us apart but also translates into tangible results, reflecting our commitment to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Contact Ward Grover & Thomas for Counterfeiting Defense

Facing counterfeiting charges can feel like a daunting burden, but you are not alone. At Ward Grover & Thomas, we are here to ease the stress and provide clarity with a strategic approach to your defense. Our team stands ready to support and guide you with dedication and insight. Let our extensive experience and local knowledge be your asset. 

Reach out to us for a free consultation by calling (541) 312-5150 or by filling out this online form.