Counterfeiting and Forgery Lawyer for Defence

If you or your business are being investigated or face allegations of forgery or counterfeiting, JMW’s expert defence solicitors provide advice, assistance and representation for all types of forgery and counterfeiting matters. We have vast experience in this particular area of law and have been at the forefront of defending charges of forgery and counterfeiting for many years. JMW Solicitors offers flexible funding options, including legal aid, to help cover legal costs associated with forgery and counterfeiting cases.

Our team is ranked as a Top Tier Fraud Defence Firm by the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, meaning you can rest assured your case is in very good hands. We are known for our professionalism and ability to get the right results in even the most complex of forgery and counterfeiting cases. We have extensive knowledge of this area of the law and a track record of success in defending clients.

Sentences for forgery and counterfeiting can be very serious, so it is imperative that you seek legal assistance at the earliest opportunity, should you face any such charges. To speak to a solicitor about allegations of forgery or counterfeiting, call us on 0345 872 6666 or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of the team will get back to you.

How JMW Can Help with Fraud Investigations

At JMW, our team of expert fraud defence solicitors can provide expert legal help and assistance on all types of forgery and counterfeiting in a domestic and commercial context. Our team has extensive experience, vast knowledge and a deep understanding of the Fraud Act and all other related legislation. We will use our expertise in this area to help you build the strongest possible defence and give you the best chance of securing the outcome you seek.

Our solicitors have defended those accused of forging documents and those inadvertently involved in comprehensive document fraud schemes, as well as those who have been charged with being in possession of faked documents. No matter what situation you are in, we can help.

When facing charges as serious as this, you need someone you can rely on to fight your corner, providing honest and practical advice about any difficulties with your case. Our team is available at any time of the day you may need us and will stay in contact with you throughout the fraud investigation and proceedings to ensure you’re aware of your rights, options and understand the next steps to take.

What Is Forgery?

Forgery is the process of making, copying or using a ‘false instrument’, which can include a document, signature, banknote or another object of value such as artwork, with the intent of deceiving another. Documents that can be the object of forgery offences include but are not limited to:

• Passports
• Driving licences
• Identity cards
• Contracts
• Statutes and executive documents
• Birth, marriage and death certificates
• Cheques
• Bank cards
• Judicial documents

In addition, subject to how a forged document may be used, you may also face an allegation of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

What Is Counterfeiting?

An allegation of counterfeiting under the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981 can relate to, amongst other offences, the following:

• The making of counterfeit currency notes of protected coins;
• The passing on or tender of counterfeit notes or coins as genuine;
• To be in possession or control of counterfeit notes of protected coins;
• To import or export counterfeit notes or protected

Subject to which offence is prosecuted, the maximum sentence could be up to seven years’ imprisonment and confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 may follow. JMW's business crime team is experienced in how to respond to a confiscation order and can represent you during these proceedings.

Why Choose JMW for Counterfeiting and Forgery Defence?

At JMW, we provide robust legal representation for individuals and companies facing allegations of forgery or counterfeiting. Our specialist team of fraud lawyers also has a broad range of experience in related charges such as insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, and other types of white-collar crime. As such, we can provide comprehensive support no matter what you are accused of.

Our familiarity with the procedures employed by the Serious Fraud Office and the National Crime Agency during forgery, counterfeiting and fraud investigations means that we can monitor to ensure evidence is gathered according to legal requirements. As such, we can support you from the beginning of an investigation to any civil or criminal proceedings that may follow.

JMW's fraud lawyers are experienced in representing clients in court, both at trial and during appeals. We are committed to defending your rights and interests by leveraging our extensive knowledge of criminal law and fraud investigations to build a strong defence. We have worked on complex fraud cases including those involving investment fraud, money laundering and serious corporate crime, which enables us to offer comprehensive services in even the biggest and most complex fraud cases.

As well as defence services during investigations by the Serious Fraud Office and others into white collar crime, our expert legal team can support businesses with compliance advice. We offer guidance on compliance and risk management and can conduct thorough internal investigations to uncover instances of fraud within organisations to protect your business from legal repercussions.

Q

What legislation is associated with forgery?

A

The forgery of certain documents is often dealt with by specific pieces of legislation. For instance:

• Forgery of birth, marriage and death documents - covered by section 7 of non-parochial Registers Act 1840 and sections 36 and 37 of Forgery Act 1861
• Passport forgery - covered by section 36 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984
• Forgery of judicial documents - covered by section 133 of the County Courts Act 1984
• Forgery of statutes and executive documents - covered by a number of sections of the Evidence Act 1845 and the Documentary Evidence Act 1882
• Forgery of road traffic documents/driving licences - covered by section 173 of the Road Traffic Act 1973 and section 44 of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994

Other acts that deal with the forgery of official documents include the Identity Cards Act 2006, the Identity Documents Act 2010 and the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981.

Q

I am being investigated over an employee’s eligibility to reside in the UK. Can you provide legal aid?

A

Under section 31 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, there is protection for those travelling on false documents in order to seek asylum. The defence applies to offences committed under acts including the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981 and the Identity Documents Act 2010. 

If you own a business or employ staff and you are being investigated over their eligibility to reside in the UK, we can help.

Q

How is passing or tendering counterfeit money proven?

A

The act of ‘passing’ includes giving or spending and an offence is committed when there is intent that someone else should use the currency afterwards. For these offences to be proven, the defendant must know or believe that the currency is counterfeit. It is not enough for the prosecution to show that you suspected it was fake.

Q

What are the penalties related to counterfeiting money?

A

There can be serious consequences if you receive a criminal conviction for a forgery, counterfeiting or fraud offence. There are various offences that could be alleged under the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981, depending on the specifics of your case, each of which has its own penalties. These range from a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment or a fine, or both, to up to ten years’ imprisonment or fine, or both. Expert legal representation is vital to put forward a strong defence and ensure your sentence is fair.