Charged with Counterfeiting? Our Defense Attorneys Are Ready to Defend Your Rights
Being charged with Counterfeiting in Massachusetts is a serious matter that requires immediate legal guidance. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we are prepared to defend individuals facing counterfeiting charges with precision, commitment, and knowledge of the law. With offices located in both Boston and Salem, our law firm is well-positioned to represent clients across Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties, including cities such as Boston, Brighton, West Roxbury, Chelsea, Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Saugus, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, Brookline, Dedham, or Quincy, and beyond. Whether you’re under investigation or have already been charged, our Boston criminal defense attorneys are ready to help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights every step of the way.
Counterfeiting Charges in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know
Under Massachusetts law, Counterfeiting is treated as a serious criminal offense, particularly when it involves government-issued documents, money, or identification. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 267, various forms of Counterfeiting—including the forgery or alteration of bank bills, public records, certificates, or coins—carry potential felony penalties, including imprisonment and significant fines.
In the Commonwealth, specific offenses related to Counterfeiting include:
- Counterfeiting of bank bills or notes (Chapter 267, Section 1)
- Possession of counterfeit bills or instruments with intent to utter (Chapter 267, Section 10)
- Uttering or passing counterfeit instruments knowing them to be false (Chapter 267, Section 5)
- Forging or altering public records or documents (Chapter 267, Sections 3–6)
Penalties can include state prison sentences of up to 10 years, depending on the specific charge and whether it involved intent to defraud. These charges can also have long-term consequences, such as a criminal record that can impact employment, housing, and immigration status.
Why Choose Our Criminal Defense Law Firm for a Counterfeiting Charge?
The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson is a dedicated criminal defense law firm known for our personalized approach and aggressive courtroom representation. We understand that being charged with a financial crime like Counterfeiting can be overwhelming and intimidating, particularly when you’re unfamiliar with how the Massachusetts courts operate.
What sets us apart is that our team includes a former prosecutor who brings insider knowledge of how the state builds and prosecutes cases. This insight allows our team to anticipate the government’s strategy and craft a strong, targeted defense for each client. Whether the evidence is circumstantial, the intent is unclear, or the investigation was flawed, we work to identify the weaknesses in the case and protect your rights.
We serve clients throughout Boston, Salem, and the surrounding areas, including Essex and Middlesex Counties. Our attorneys are familiar with the local courts, prosecutors, and judges, which helps us navigate your case with efficiency and insight.
What to Expect If You’re Facing Counterfeiting Charges
If you’ve been accused of Counterfeiting, the government may try to build a case based on documents, surveillance, financial transactions, or statements. Our job as your Massachusetts defense attorneys is to challenge the evidence, question the procedures used, and make sure your side of the story is heard.
Here’s how we approach counterfeiting cases:
- Thorough Review of Evidence: We examine every detail, from how the evidence was obtained to whether your rights were violated.
- Challenge the Intent Requirement: Many Counterfeiting charges require proof that you intended to defraud. We scrutinize that element carefully.
- Suppression of Unlawful Evidence: If any part of the investigation was done improperly, we move to exclude that evidence from the case.
- Strategic Negotiation and Trial Readiness: If your case goes to trial, we are fully prepared to present a solid defense. If a resolution can be reached without trial, we’ll advise you on the best path forward.
Who We Represent
We defend individuals from all backgrounds, including business professionals, students, and others who may be accused of Counterfeiting due to misunderstanding or overreach by law enforcement. We work with clients in, but not limited to following areas:
- Suffolk County – Boston, Brighton, Chelsea, West Roxbury
- Essex County – Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Saugus
- Middlesex County – Cambridge, Somerville, Newton
- Norfolk County – Brookline, Dedham, Quincy
If you are facing charges in any of these areas, our team is ready to represent you with skill and determination.
A Trusted Criminal Defense Law Firm Serving Boston, Salem, and Surrounding Communities
Our criminal defense law firm represents individuals facing a wide range of criminal charges throughout Massachusetts. We regularly appear in courts in Boston, Brighton, Chelsea, Lynn, and Salem, as well as in Brookline, Newton, and Cambridge. We’re known for our focused, strategic approach to criminal defense—and our ability to challenge evidence and build strong cases. When you’re charged with a crime, your future, your freedom, and your reputation are at stake. That’s why our Massachusetts defense attorneys treat every case with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.
We defend against charges including white-collar crime, drug crime, theft and property crime, assault and violent offenses, motor vehicle-related offenses, sexual offenses, firearms charges, and public order violations. We serve clients across Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, or Norfolk Counties, with courtroom presence and local knowledge that gives you an advantage.
Act Now to Protect Your Rights
A Counterfeiting charge should never be taken lightly. The legal system in Massachusetts is strict when it comes to white-collar crimes, and early legal intervention can make a critical difference in your case. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson considers each situation as if it were our own; we don’t treat our clients like case numbers. Whether you’re in Boston, Salem, or elsewhere in Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, or Norfolk Counties, our aggressive criminal defense attorneys are here to help you take control of your situation. Contact us now to set up a strategy session with a skilled Boston defense attorney and take the first step in your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered Counterfeiting in Massachusetts?
Creating, obtaining, or transferring false or counterfeit money, documents, or other items with the intention of defrauding is known as counterfeiting. It is prosecuted under various sections of M.G.L. Chapter 267.
Can I be charged if I unknowingly used counterfeit money?
Intent is a key part of most Counterfeiting charges. If you did not know the item was counterfeit, that may be a valid defense. We can help you demonstrate that lack of intent.
What are the penalties for Counterfeiting in Massachusetts?
Depending on the offense, penalties may include up to 10 years in state prison and substantial fines. Even lesser charges can carry serious consequences.
Will a Counterfeiting conviction affect my future?
Yes. A conviction can impact your job, professional licenses, immigration status, and ability to secure housing or financial aid.
What should I do if I’m being investigated for Counterfeiting?
Never make statements or talk to investigators without legal representation. Contact the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson to set up a strategy session and discuss your rights.