Forgery / Counterfeiting Lawyer in St. Louis

Forgery/Counterfeiting Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

Forgery and counterfeiting occur when someone produces a false item to defraud someone else. These offenses can constitute felonies even though they aren’t violent crimes.

The attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have over 50 years of combined legal experience defending the rights of those accused of such crimes. We can provide a tailored defense to your situation to help you preserve your freedom.

Forgery and Counterfeiting Crimes

Forgery and counterfeiting involve deception and the betrayal of trust. Both offenses involve making something unauthorized. Forgery pertains to false documents and writings, while counterfeiting refers to goods bearing a false trademark.

These offenses erode public trust in official documents and brand identity. If people can’t trust official marks or trademarks, then all transactions—from birth certificates to luxury handbags—become suspect.

Missouri Statutes Prohibiting Forgery and Counterfeiting

The Missouri Revised Statutes list forgery, counterfeiting, and related crimes under theft-related offenses. The laws connect these acts to fraud against victims or manufacturers of genuine goods.

Forgery

Forgery includes the following acts committed with the intent to defraud:

• Creating or altering a writing to look like it was made by someone else or at a different time
• Erasing or destroying a writing
• Changing a non-writing item to make it appear to have value it does not
• Passing off something forged as genuine

“Writing” includes items such as money, credit cards, records, stamps, badges, and trademarks. Examples include altering the date on medical records or erasing overdrafts from bank statements submitted for a loan.

Counterfeiting

In Missouri, counterfeiting doesn’t refer to currency. It covers falsely marked products like bootleg DVDs or imitation handbags. Activities include manufacturing, displaying, advertising, selling, or possessing items with a counterfeit trademark.

Possession of more than 25 items implies intent to sell. This law protects intellectual property and consumer trust—violating it can lead to serious charges, especially in large-scale operations.

Filing False Documents

This crime involves knowingly submitting falsified or materially false documents to government or financial institutions. Covered items include deeds, contracts, tax returns, and even police reports.

Possession of Forgery Tools

Missouri law criminalizes possession of tools like printing plates or card encoders intended for forgery.

Issuing a False Instrument

Officials and authorized individuals cannot issue documents with false information or leave them blank for later completion. Even a notary leaving off a date can be charged.

Possible Defenses Against Forgery and Counterfeiting Charges in St. Louis, MO

There are several possible defenses our attorneys can raise against forgery and counterfeiting charges, depending on the circumstances of your case. The options your defense attorney can use include the following criminal defense strategies:

• Lack of Intent: You must have knowingly intended to defraud. Artwork resembling currency or fake items bought for personal use may not qualify.
• Consent: Signing a document on someone’s behalf with their consent—even without legal authority—can be a valid defense.
• Illegal Search: If items were discovered in an unlawful search, evidence could be suppressed.

Penalties for Forgery, Counterfeiting, and Related Offenses in St. Louis