Legal Question in Criminal Law in Colorado

Forgery/Counterfiet

The local police have just stopped by my place of business to say that they have video of myself, friend and another couple at a local restaurant. They say the tape shows me paying the bill with a counterfeit $20.00. I had no idea it was fake. What are Colorado laws on this, and what should I do now?


Asked on 10/28/02, 1:27 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Richard B. Huttner Richard B. Huttner, P.C.

Re: Forgery/Counterfiet

The police would have to prove that you knew the $20.00 to be counterfeit. You can speak to police or you can ask to have an attorney present when you speak to police.

Read more
Answered on 10/28/02, 11:13 am
Jason Savela The Savela Law Firm, PC

Re: Forgery/Counterfiet

This is a felony charge and you could face jail and serious collateral consequences for this type of felony.

I would recommend that you not talk to the police - simply say that you want to talk with an attorney before talking with them and you want your attorney present if you talk with them. The police have to prove that you knew it was counterfeit, so the less you say the better.

I have delt with a charge like this before and plea bargaining could be fruitful and you can win at trial. Remember, they also need to prove that you passed the fake bill. That means that the person who took it is an alternate suspect. If the waiter did not notice the bill as a fake, that helps to prove that you would not notice it.

Read more
Answered on 10/28/02, 12:45 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Colorado