Is trying to pass fake currency a serious crime?

[Jack]

Trying to pass a counterfeit $20 bill is a serious crime, typically classified as
a felony at both the federal and state levels, and can lead to severe penalties such as imprisonment, fines, and restitution. This charge stems from the intent to defraud, which is more severe than simply possessing a fake bill.

Classification of the Crime

• Felony: Under federal law, counterfeiting U.S. currency is a felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and significant fines. Many states also classify the act of passing counterfeit currency as a felony, though the penalties can vary.
• Felony vs. Misdemeanor: While most cases are felonies, passing a small amount of counterfeit currency, especially for first-time offenders who did not know the bill was fake, may be considered a misdemeanor in some jurisdictions.

Key Factors Determining the Severity

• Intent: The most crucial factor is the intent to defraud. Prosecutors must prove the person knew the bill was counterfeit and intended to pass it off as real.
• Knowledge: If you can convince authorities that you honestly received the bill without knowing it was fake, you might avoid criminal charges, though the bill will still be confiscated.
• Circumstances: The specific details of the transaction, such as the amount, the location, and whether it's a first offense, all influence the charges and penalties.

Actions to Take if Charged
If you are accused of passing counterfeit money, it is crucial to:

• Consult an attorney immediately: This is the first step to protect your rights and build a defense.
• Do not make statements without legal counsel: Avoid speaking to law enforcement or others without a lawyer present.

 

[Jack]

This is what George Floyd was actually guilty of.

 

[Jack]

What about resisting arrest?

Resisting arrest can indeed be a serious offense, and its severity can vary depending on the circumstances of the incident and the specific laws of the jurisdiction where it occurs
.

Here's a breakdown:

• Definition: Resisting arrest involves intentionally obstructing or interfering with a law enforcement officer while they are attempting to make a lawful arrest. This can take many forms, including:
  • Struggling physically.
  • Attempting to flee or evade officers.
  • Threatening violence or using force against an officer.
  • Even passive resistance, such as refusing to comply with commands or going limp to prevent being moved, can be considered resisting arrest in some jurisdictions.
• Severity:
  • While often charged as a misdemeanor, resisting arrest can escalate to a felony if it involves violence, injury to an officer, or the use of weapons.
  • In some states, resisting crimes are misdemeanors, but these states may have separate crimes with harsher penalties for acts that amount to fleeing in a vehicle, assault, or disarming a police officer.
  • Even if the initial arrest was unlawful, resisting can still lead to additional charges and penalties.
• Potential Consequences:
  • A conviction for resisting arrest, even for a misdemeanor, can result in a permanent criminal record, which can negatively impact future opportunities like employment and housing.
  • Penalties for a misdemeanor charge can range from probation and fines to county jail time.
  • A felony conviction can lead to significant prison time and higher fines.
  • Resisting arrest can also complicate civil claims for false arrest or excessive force, potentially weakening the case against the officer.

Important Note: It's crucial to understand that even if you believe an arrest is unlawful, resisting it can have severe consequences. The appropriate way to challenge an unlawful arrest is through the court system, not by resisting on the street.

 

[Jack]

George Floyd was also guilty of that following his detainment for trying to pass counterfeit currency.

 

[Jack]

What about having fentanyl in your system while committing a crime?

It's important to clarify that simply having fentanyl in your system while committing a felony isn't usually a separate crime in itself
.

However, the presence of fentanyl (or any other illicit substance) can significantly impact the severity of the charges and the potential penalties faced, especially during the sentencing phase. Here's how:


1. Aggravating factor at sentencing

• Courts often consider drug use as an aggravating factor when determining a sentence for a felony.
• This can lead to harsher penalties, potentially including longer prison terms or stricter probation conditions.

2. Evidence of intent or impaired judgement

• Depending on the specific felony, evidence of fentanyl use could be used by the prosecution to suggest impaired judgment, demonstrate intent to commit the crime (e.g., to fund a drug habit), or enhance the perception of danger posed by the defendant.
• This could weaken defense arguments, and potentially increase the severity of the charges or sentence.

3. Drug-related offenses

• If the felony is directly related to drug offenses (e.g., drug trafficking), the presence of fentanyl would be a direct element of the charges, leading to specific penalties under drug trafficking statutes.
• These offenses often carry significant mandatory minimum sentences, especially in federal cases. For example, possessing specific amounts of fentanyl can trigger mandatory minimum sentences of 5 or 10 years in prison.
• The penalties for drug trafficking offenses involving fentanyl can be significantly increased if it results in death or serious bodily injury to another individual.

4. Prior record

• A prior criminal record involving drug offenses or any felony conviction can significantly increase the penalties for a new felony offense, especially if a defendant has two or more prior convictions, potentially leading to a mandatory life sentence.

In short, while not a separate crime, having fentanyl in your system during a felony can have significant consequences, potentially leading to increased penalties or harsher sentencing.

 

[Jack]

George Floyd was high on fentanyl when committing this crime.

Maybe some people should look at the actual facts of the matter before going off on specious blame and judgements.

 

[Larry Loungelizard]

Normally, I 'd post TL, DR, but this is a well thought out post. I salute you, you magnificent bastard.

 

[The Prowler]

@Lily
@Admin.
@LotusBud


Get in here and Set The Story Straight!!!!