The manufacturing, sale, or use of counterfeit money or securities (Article 212 of the Criminal Code of Georgia) falls under the category of serious economic crimes, as it directly threatens the country's financial stability and economic security. To protect the state's monetary system, legislation provides for extremely strict penalties — lengthy imprisonment. Charges can be brought not only against those who directly manufacture (print) fake currency but also against those who attempt to pass or use it (for example, paying in a store). There are frequent cases where law-abiding citizens unintentionally become accomplices to a crime when they try to exchange or use a counterfeit bill that accidentally came into their possession. In such cases, proving intent is crucial — whether the person knew the money was fake. The assistance of a qualified lawyer is necessary to distinguish a criminal scheme from a simple misunderstanding and to protect the rights of the accused.
What does Counterfeiting Defense service cover?
Lawyers on our platform offer specialized defense, which includes:
- Analysis of expert conclusions: Detailed study of the conclusions of the National Bank or the Forensic Bureau to determine the quality of the counterfeit bills and the method of manufacture.
- Refuting criminal intent (mens rea): Collecting evidence to confirm that the client did not know about the falsity of the money (e.g., received it as salary, debt repayment, or change in a retail outlet).
- Detecting procedural violations: Checking the legality of search and seizure protocols. If evidence was obtained illegally, the lawyer requests it be declared inadmissible.
- Requalification of the act: Working to ensure the act is assessed not as manufacturing/selling but as a less serious crime (depending on case circumstances).
- Plea agreement: Negotiating with the Prosecutor's Office for mitigation of the sentence, especially if the client cooperates with the investigation to reveal the source of the fake money.
Common Situations and Scenarios
Charges are often related to the following circumstances:
- Accidental passing: A citizen tried to pay in a shopping center or market with a bill that turned out to be fake, and the police were called.
- Debt repayment: A person received a cash debt repayment where part of the amount turned out to be fake, and subsequently tried to deposit it in a bank.
- Currency exchange booths: Counterfeit bills received when exchanging money at unofficial currency points.
- Group crime: Accusation that the person was a member of an organized group that systematically manufactured and distributed counterfeit currency.
Georgian Legislation and Legal Framework
The crime is regulated by Article 212 of the Criminal Code (Making or selling counterfeit money or securities). The sanction ranges from 4 to 7 years of imprisonment, and in aggravating circumstances (large amount, group commission) — from 7 to 10 years or 10 to 15 years. Criminal liability arises only in the presence of direct intent. This means the prosecution must irrefutably prove: the person knew the money was fake and still tried to pass it. If this cannot be proved, the person must be acquitted. The Organic Law "On the National Bank of Georgia," which defines the rules for the expertise of banknotes, is also important.
Service Delivery Process
The process begins from the moment of arrest or indictment. The lawyer immediately meets with the client and checks the circumstances of giving testimony. Often, initial testimony given under stress contains inaccuracies. The lawyer requests video recordings (e.g., from a bank or store), checks the client's financial history, and looks for witnesses who will confirm the legal origin of the funds (e.g., from whom the client received the bill). The goal is to question the intent to distribute.
Why choose a specialist on Legal.ge?
Counterfeit money cases require specific knowledge in criminal law and forensics. Lawyers represented on Legal.ge are familiar with investigative practice and have experience in complex cases. Improper defense can lead to severe punishment even for an innocent act. Trust professionals who will protect your freedom.
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