18 U.S.C. § 476 – Taking Impressions or Images of Counterfeiting Tools
This law makes it a federal crime to take impressions or images from tools used to produce U.S. currency or securities.
This statute targets an early stage of the counterfeiting process. It applies to the unauthorized copying or capturing of impressions or images from tools, implements, or instruments used to print or create U.S. obligations or securities.
The law covers both physical impressions and modern digital or electronic image capture, even if no counterfeit currency is ultimately produced.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they knowingly and without authorization:
- Take, procure, or make an impression, stamp, or imprint from counterfeiting tools
- Create analog, digital, or electronic images from tools used to print U.S. currency or securities
- Capture impressions from tools intended to create other counterfeiting tools
- Assist in copying or reproducing such tools or impressions for counterfeiting purposes
No counterfeit bills or securities need to be printed for charges to apply.
Penalties.
A conviction under this statute can result in a fine, up to 25 years in federal prison, or both.
If you’re under investigation for alleged counterfeiting preparation or image capture, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys to discuss your options.
