The Charges:

Possessing Counterfeit Money

Court Attended:

Southport Magistrates Court

Attendance Date:

15/01/18

Overview of Case:

Our client was charged with possessing a counterfeit $50.00 note which was found in her handbag. This offence is under the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981 Qld. Our client had no history of criminal convictions however the offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.  In this circumstance our client bears the evidential burden to prove that she had no knowledge that the $50.00 was a counterfeit note.

We took detailed instructions from our client on the matter and established that the counterfeit note was given to the client at a local supermarket after receiving her change. We advised the client that submissions would be written on her behalf to the Director of Public Prosecutions in respect of the matter. We back traced the clients steps as to when the cash was received.

Outcome:

After several submissions to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, our office was successful in proving that our client had no knowledge that the note was fake.  The charge was withdrawn by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions without the need to proceed to trial and our client was discharged. Our client was very happy with the outcome. No trace of the matter appears on the client’s criminal history.

Do you require court representation for possession of counterfeit money or for another criminal offense? Contact Brooke Winter Solicitors immediately on 1300 066 669 or send us a confidential message.