St. Louis Counterfeiting Defense Attorney

Facing Counterfeiting Charges In St. Louis, MO?

Counterfeiting allegations can turn your life upside down in a moment. You may be facing accusations involving currency, checks, credit cards, identification documents, or other items that prosecutors claim are fake or altered. A conviction can threaten your freedom, your finances, and your future.

At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we represent people in the St. Louis area who are under investigation or charged with counterfeiting-related crimes. We understand that you might feel scared, confused, and unsure who to trust. Our goal is to provide clear guidance, steady support, and a defense strategy tailored to your situation.

Our attorneys bring more than 60 years of combined criminal defense experience to every case. We are former prosecutors who now focus our practice on defending people accused of crimes, including complex financial and counterfeiting matters. If you have questions about your charges or an ongoing investigation, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your options.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

What Is Considered Counterfeiting?

Counterfeiting generally involves the creation, possession, sale, or distribution of goods, documents, or currency that are falsely made to appear genuine. The key element in most counterfeiting cases is intent to deceive or defraud. Prosecutors must typically prove that the accused knowingly produced or used counterfeit items and intended for others to rely on them as legitimate.

Counterfeiting charges can arise from a wide range of activities, including manufacturing fake goods, altering official documents, or distributing counterfeit currency. Even possessing counterfeit items—depending on the circumstances—can result in criminal charges if prosecutors believe there was intent to use or sell them.

Common Counterfeit Items

Counterfeiting does not only involve fake money. In Missouri and federal cases, allegations may include a variety of items, such as:

• Counterfeit U.S. currency or foreign currency
• Fake identification documents (driver’s licenses, passports, or ID cards)
• Forged checks or financial instruments
• Counterfeit credit or debit cards
• Fake brand-name goods (clothing, handbags, shoes, electronics)
• Counterfeit pharmaceuticals or medical devices
• Altered or fake government documents
• Pirated software, media, or digital products

Some cases involve large-scale operations, while others arise from a single transaction or possession. Regardless of scale, any counterfeiting accusation should be taken seriously.

Missouri Counterfeiting Laws & Penalties

In Missouri, counterfeiting is a criminal offense governed primarily by RSMo §570.103. A person may be charged with counterfeiting if they knowingly make, use, sell, offer for sale, distribute, or possess items bearing a counterfeit mark. A counterfeit mark is an unauthorized reproduction of a trademark, logo, brand name, or other protected intellectual property used without the owner’s consent. Missouri law also presumes intent to sell or distribute when a person possesses more than 25 counterfeit items.

Penalties depend on the quantity, value, and circumstances involved. Counterfeiting is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, when smaller quantities are involved and there is no prior conviction. The offense may be elevated to a Class E felony if the defendant has a prior counterfeiting conviction, if the retail value of the items is significant, or if larger quantities are involved. More serious cases—such as manufacturing counterfeit goods, possessing large volumes, or repeat offenses—may result in a Class D felony.

Federal Counterfeiting Laws & Penalties

Many counterfeiting cases are prosecuted in federal court, especially those involving U.S. currency, interstate commerce, or large-scale operations. Federal counterfeiting laws are enforced aggressively by agencies such as the FBI, Secret Service, and Department of Homeland Security.

Manufacturing counterfeit U.S. currency can result in federal imprisonment for up to 15 years and a maximum fine of $5,000. Possessing counterfeit U.S. obligations with the intent to defraud is punishable by up to 15 years in federal prison and a $15,000 fine.

Counterfeiting FAQs

Can I be charged if I didn’t know an item was counterfeit?

Knowledge and intent are critical elements. If you did not know the item was counterfeit and had no intent to defraud, this may be a viable defense.

What’s the difference between state and federal counterfeiting charges?

State charges are brought under Missouri law, while federal charges involve violations of U.S. law and are prosecuted in federal court. Federal penalties are often more severe.

Can counterfeiting charges be reduced or dismissed?

Yes. Depending on the facts, evidence issues, or constitutional violations, charges may be reduced, dismissed, or resolved through negotiation.

Should I speak to law enforcement without a lawyer?

No. Anything you say can be used against you. It is best to consult a St. Louis counterfeiting defense lawyer before answering questions.

Why Choose Our Firm

When you are accused of counterfeiting, choosing the right criminal defense team is a critical decision. You need lawyers who understand both traditional street crime and more complex financial allegations, and who know how these cases are handled in Missouri courts and in federal court in the Eastern District of Missouri. Our firm is built around that level of criminal defense work.

Our attorneys have more than six decades of combined experience handling criminal cases. Before defending people accused of crimes, we worked as prosecutors, so we know how law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys approach investigations and charging decisions. We draw on that background to anticipate how the state or federal government may try to build a counterfeiting case and where there may be weaknesses.

In addition to our courtroom work, both Mark Hammer and Nicole Chiravollatti serve as adjunct professors at Saint Louis University School of Law. Our credentials, such as these teaching roles, reflect a deep commitment to criminal law and to the local legal community. Mark Hammer also serves as a Lead Panel Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri’s Criminal Justice Act Program, which involves the defense of serious federal criminal cases in the Thomas F. Eagleton United States Courthouse.

Just as important as our background is the way we work with clients. At our firm, you receive personal, one-on-one attention from an attorney, not just staff. We take time to explain the charges, the process, and the options available so you can make informed decisions. We are accessible and responsive, and we work to keep you updated as your case moves through the system.

We are known as tough negotiators and trial lawyers. This means we prepare your case carefully, whether the best path involves challenging the evidence, pursuing negotiations, or presenting your defense at trial. Our focus is on protecting your rights and working toward the most favorable result that the facts and the law allow.

To discuss your situation with our team, call (314) 334-3807.