HELP!! Received a counterfeit $20 w/o Knowing!

[caspar1983]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MAINE.

Hello. Please help me... I was given a counterfeit $20 bill by someone without my knowing, and I went to the store trying to buy something and attempted to use it. The clerk informed me it was counterfeit and the cops were called. I paid with other money in my pocket. (obviously real) I gave the officer the $20 and let him know that I had no clue it was fake. I seriously had no clue. It was only 1 $20 I received, and now I have just been summonsed for "AGGRAVATED FORGERY" A CLASS B FELONY!!!

Before I was summonsed (It took 3 days for the cops to come back with a summons) I called the person who gave me the $20 and she claimed she did not know, and started pointing fingers etc. I took down all the names and numbers that I could. I have since provided the police with all the information that I know, including the persons name who gave me the $20.

I do have a criminal record, NOTHING major like this. Its been over a year since I have been in any trouble, not even a ticket... CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE ME SOME ADVICE?? Especially, do you think that they will really try to stick me with an "aggravated forgery" charge considering that A: I had no clue, and B: It was just one bill. Its not like they caught me producing mass amounts or anything! What do you think will happen to me? ANY INFORMATION would be GREATLY appreciated! I have cooperated with the police as best as I am able, providing them with several names and numbers, as well as their address. THANK YOU!! I AM SERIOUSLY STRESSED ABOUT THIS!!!

 

[Willlyjo]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MAINE.

Hello. Please help me... I was given a counterfeit $20 bill by someone without my knowing, and I went to the store trying to buy something and attempted to use it. The clerk informed me it was counterfeit and the cops were called. I paid with other money in my pocket. (obviously real) I gave the officer the $20 and let him know that I had no clue it was fake. I seriously had no clue. It was only 1 $20 I received, and now I have just been summonsed for "AGGRAVATED FORGERY" A CLASS B FELONY!!!

Before I was summonsed (It took 3 days for the cops to come back with a summons) I called the person who gave me the $20 and she claimed she did not know, and started pointing fingers etc. I took down all the names and numbers that I could. I have since provided the police with all the information that I know, including the persons name who gave me the $20.

I do have a criminal record, NOTHING major like this. Its been over a year since I have been in any trouble, not even a ticket... CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE ME SOME ADVICE?? Especially, do you think that they will really try to stick me with an "aggravated forgery" charge considering that A: I had no clue, and B: It was just one bill. Its not like they caught me producing mass amounts or anything! What do you think will happen to me? ANY INFORMATION would be GREATLY appreciated! I have cooperated with the police as best as I am able, providing them with several names and numbers, as well as their address. THANK YOU!! I AM SERIOUSLY STRESSED ABOUT THIS!!!

I hardly think they can build a case against you based on the fact you had a conterfeit 20 dollar bill in your possession. The reality is that anyone can be unfortunate enough to be a victim of a passed counterfeit note. Unless there is something more to this than what you've posted, I don't see how you could possibly get in trouble here.

 

[davew128]

I don't see how you could possibly get in trouble here.

You aside from being summonsed for a Class B felony?

 

[CdwJava]

The state will likely have to show that this was a knowing and intentional act. Depending on what you might have said, this may not be very easy.

Consult legal counsel.

 

[Antigone*]

How do you know the person who gave you the money, and why did she give it to you?

 

[Willlyjo]

The state will likely have to show that this was a knowing and intentional act. Depending on what you might have said, this may not be very easy.

Consult legal counsel.

Thank you very much!