Counterfeiting Defense in Myrtle Beach

Federal Counterfeiting Defense Backed by 30 Years in Federal Court

Counterfeiting allegations can lead to a federal investigation, indictment, and substantial criminal or financial penalties. T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. defends individuals accused of federal crimes, including counterfeiting, and brings 30 years of Federal Court criminal case experience to each case.

Attorney T. Kirk Truslow has handled complex proceedings involving extensive evidence and numerous witnesses. He served as lead counsel in an 11-day trial involving a 20-count federal mail fraud indictment, more than 70 witnesses, and 300 evidentiary exhibits. That experience informs his preparation for document-heavy federal cases in which the government’s evidence, the accused person’s knowledge, and alleged intent require close analysis.

Call (843) 212-1116 for a free consultation with a federal counterfeiting lawyer about an investigation or pending charge.

Types of Federal Counterfeiting Charges

Federal law treats allegations involving U.S. currency and counterfeit goods as separate categories. The required conduct, mental state, possible penalties, and relevant evidence depend on the statute charged and the specific facts.

Charges Involving Counterfeited U.S. Currency

Section 471 of Title 18 prohibits falsely making, forging, counterfeiting, or altering an obligation or security of the United States with intent to defraud. An obligation or security can include U.S. currency and other government-issued financial instruments covered by federal law.

Prosecutors must prove that the accused acted with the purpose of deceiving or cheating. A conviction under Section 471 carries a maximum statutory prison term of 20 years, a fine, or both. The actual charge and sentence depend on the conduct, evidence, applicable sentencing rules, and other case-specific considerations.

Charges Involving Counterfeit Goods or Marks

Section 2320 of Title 18 generally prohibits intentionally trafficking or attempting to traffic in goods or services while knowingly using a counterfeit mark. These allegations concern marks associated with goods or services, not the creation or alteration of U.S. currency.

For an individual facing a first offense, the maximum statutory penalty is generally a 10-year prison term, a fine of up to $2 million, or both. A second or subsequent offense can carry a prison term of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Depending on the facts and applicable law, a case may also involve forfeiture, destruction of the goods, and restitution under federal Section 2323.

How Myrtle Beach Counterfeiting Cases Enter Federal Court

A federal indictment is a formal accusation, not a finding of guilt. A case may progress through an investigation, charging decision, initial court appearances, evidence review, plea discussions, or trial preparation. Sentencing follows only after a conviction, and the sequence and timing vary with the charges and procedural history.

Investigations into the counterfeiting of U.S. currency originating in Myrtle Beach can involve local law enforcement and federal agencies. In one such case, the Myrtle Beach Police Department and U.S. Secret Service supported an investigation prosecuted in federal district court in South Carolina. The case illustrates how conduct alleged locally can become a federal criminal matter.

A separate 2014-2015 Myrtle Beach case involved a guilty plea to conspiracy to manufacture counterfeit currency under the federal conspiracy statute, Section 371. The stated maximum penalty for that charge was a five-year prison term and a $250,000 fine. Those consequences differed from the maximum for the substantive currency offense, underscoring why the precise indictment matters.

Request a Free Consultation About Federal Counterfeiting Charges

Individuals under investigation or facing federal counterfeiting charges can request a free consultation with the firm. Early contact provides an opportunity to discuss the allegation, current procedural stage, and available records before deciding how to proceed.

Mr. Truslow examines complex allegations, the evidence behind them, and the intent required by the charged statute. The firm is available 24/7 to discuss an investigation, arrest, or federal indictment.

Request a free consultation with T. Kirk Truslow, P.A. by calling (843) 212-1116 or completing the contact form.

Evidence & Intent in a Federal Counterfeiting Case

A counterfeiting defense requires a fact-specific review of what the accused knew and intended. The government’s allegations alone don’t establish that a person recognized an item as counterfeit or acted with the mental state required by the charged statute.

Issues that may require close examination include:

Knowledge: What evidence allegedly shows that the accused knew the currency, goods, or mark wasn’t genuine?
Intent: Do the circumstances support an intent to defraud in a currency case or the knowing use of a counterfeit mark in a trafficking case?
Resemblance: Does the alleged item sufficiently resemble a genuine obligation, security, or protected mark under the applicable law?
Source and possession: How did the item allegedly reach the accused, and what evidence connects that person to its creation, possession, or distribution?
Communications and witnesses: Do messages, transaction records, or witness accounts support the government’s interpretation, or do they provide a different context?

The relevance of each issue depends on the charged offense and available evidence. A careful review can identify disputed facts and the elements the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

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