{"id":50991,"date":"2022-12-07T16:56:16","date_gmt":"2022-12-07T16:56:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oykhmancriminaldefence.com\/faq\/?p=50991"},"modified":"2025-09-16T05:39:55","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T05:39:55","slug":"counterfeiting-charges-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/counterfeiting-charges-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"Counterfeiting Laws in Canada Expained"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:calc( 1440px + 50px );margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><h3>What is counterfeiting?<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/counterfeiting-charges-canada\/\">Counterfeiting<\/a>\u00a0is covered under s.448, s.449, s.450, and s.452 of the Criminal Code of Canada.<\/p>\n<p>Counterfeiting is defined extensively in these sections and refers to the making, possession, or uttering of counterfeit money.\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/forgery-uttering-forged-passport-charges-canada\/\">Uttering of counterfeit money<\/a>\u00a0includes selling, paying, tendering, and putting off a counterfeit.<\/p>\n<p>Counterfeiting is a straight indictable offence in Canada.\u00a0 This means that the Crown can only proceed by indictment.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Examples<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Common examples of counterfeiting include the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/making-counterfeit-money-charges-canada\/\">attempting to make an identical replica of genuine money<\/a>;<\/li>\n<li>possessing an identical replica of genuine money;<\/li>\n<li>using counterfeit money to purchase an item from a store; and<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/obtaining-property-by-false-pretences-charges-canada\/\">using false cheques to obtain cash<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Defences<\/h3>\n<p>The defences available to a charge of counterfeiting are entirely dependent on the facts of the case.<\/p>\n<p><strong>However, some common defences to counterfeiting include the following:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lack of knowledge that the items were counterfeit;<\/li>\n<li>The Crown did not sufficiently prove the character of the counterfeit money<\/li>\n<li>A breach of<em> Charter <\/em>rights<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Punishment<\/h3>\n<p>Counterfeiting is a straight indictable offence with a maximum term of imprisonment of fourteen years.<\/p>\n<p>As such, the possible sentences available include a suspended sentence, fine, fine and probation, jail and probation, or jail and fine.\u00a0 Further, due to the possible maximum sentence, neither a discharge nor conditional sentence order is available as sentences.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><h2>Overview of the Offence<\/h2>\n<p>The relevant terms and definitions for the offence of \u201ccounterfeiting\u201d are outlined in s.448 of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>:<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-0 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column cases grey-box\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p><strong>448<\/strong>\u00a0In this Part,<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>counterfeit money<\/strong>\u2002includes<\/p>\n<p><strong>(a)<\/strong>\u00a0a false coin or false paper money that resembles or is apparently intended to resemble or pass for a current coin or current paper money,<\/p>\n<p><strong>(b)<\/strong>\u00a0a forged bank-note or forged blank bank-note, whether complete or incomplete,<\/p>\n<p><strong>(c)<\/strong>\u00a0a genuine coin or genuine paper money that is prepared or altered to resemble or pass for a current coin or current paper money of a higher denomination,<\/p>\n<p><strong>(d)<\/strong>\u00a0a current coin from which the milling is removed by filing or cutting the edges and on which new milling is made to restore its appearance,<\/p>\n<p><strong>(e)<\/strong>\u00a0a coin cased with gold, silver or nickel, as the case may be, that is intended to resemble or pass for a current gold, silver or nickel coin, and<\/p>\n<p><strong>(f)<\/strong>\u00a0a coin or a piece of metal or mixed metals that is washed or coloured by any means with a wash or material capable of producing the appearance of gold, silver or nickel and that is intended to resemble or pass for a current gold, silver or nickel coin;\u2002(<em>monnaie contrefaite<\/em>)<\/p>\n<p><strong>counterfeit token of value<\/strong>\u2002means a counterfeit excise stamp, postage stamp or other evidence of value, by whatever technical, trivial or deceptive designation it may be described, and includes genuine coin or paper money that has no value as money;\u2002(<em>symbole de valeur contrefait<\/em>)<\/p>\n<p><strong>current<\/strong>\u2002means lawfully current in Canada or elsewhere by virtue of a law, proclamation or regulation in force in Canada or elsewhere as the case may be;\u2002(<em>courant<\/em>)<\/p>\n<p><strong>utter<\/strong>\u2002includes sell, pay, tender and put off.\u2002(<em>mettre en circulation<\/em>)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 40px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><p>The Crown must prove the <em>actus reus<\/em> (the \u201cguilty act\u201d) and the <em>mens rea<\/em> (the \u201cguilty mind\u201d) of a counterfeit money charge beyond a reasonable doubt to ground a conviction.<\/p>\n<p>The <em>actus reus<\/em> of the offence will depend on whether the offender is charged with \u201cmaking\u201d, being in \u201cpossession\u201d, or \u201cuttering\u201d counterfeit money.<\/p>\n<p>The offence of \u201cmaking\u201d counterfeit money is defined and punished under s.449 of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>.\u00a0 Accordingly, the <em>actus reus <\/em>of \u201cmaking\u201d counterfeit money is established when the offender either \u201cmakes\u201d or \u201cbegins to make\u201d counterfeit.\u00a0 As such, the counterfeit money need not actually be made for the offence to be established.<\/p>\n<p>The offence of \u201cpossession\u201d of counterfeit money is defined under s.450 of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>.\u00a0 Accordingly, the <em>actus reus<\/em> is established when the offender, without lawful justification or excuse:<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-1 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column cases grey-box\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p><strong>(a)<\/strong>\u00a0buys, receives or offers to buy or receive counterfeit money;<\/p>\n<p><strong>(b)<\/strong>\u00a0has in their custody or possession counterfeit money; or<\/p>\n<p><strong>(c)<\/strong>\u00a0introduces counterfeit money into Canada.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 40px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><p>The offence of \u201cuttering\u201d counterfeit money is defined and punished under s.452 of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>.\u00a0 Accordingly, the <em>actus reus<\/em> is established when the offender, without lawful excuse or justification:<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-2 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column cases grey-box\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p><strong>(a)<\/strong>\u00a0utters or offers to utter counterfeit money or uses counterfeit money as if it were genuine, or<\/p>\n<p><strong>(b)<\/strong>\u00a0exports, sends or takes counterfeit money out of Canada.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 40px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><p>As defined in s.448, utters in this context include selling, pay, tender, and put off.<\/p>\n<p>The <em>mens rea<\/em> for s.449 simply requires that the offender had the intent to make counterfeit money.<\/p>\n<p>The <em>mens rea<\/em> for s.450 and s.452 requires that the offender had the intent to commit the offence and that the offender, at the time of the offence, knew of the \u201ccharacter\u201d of the counterfeit money.<\/p>\n<h3>The Guilty Act (Actus Reus)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The <em>actus reus<\/em> for counterfeiting requires that the Crown must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Section 449 \u2013 \u201cmaking\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>The offender \u201cmakes\u201d or \u201cbegins to make\u201d counterfeit money.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Section 450 \u2013 \u201cpossession\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>The offender buys, receives or offers to buy or receive counterfeit money;<\/li>\n<li>The offender has in their custody or possession counterfeit money; or<\/li>\n<li>The offender introduces counterfeit money into Canada.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Section 452 \u2013 \u201cuttering\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>The offender utters or offers to utter counterfeit money or uses counterfeit money as if it were genuine, or<\/li>\n<li>The offender exports, sends or takes counterfeit money out of Canada.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>The Guilty Mind (Mens Rea)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The mens rea for counterfeiting requires that the Crown must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Section 449 \u2013 \u201cmaking\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>The offender intended to make or begin to make counterfeit money.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Section 450 \u2013 \u201cpossession\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>The offender had the intent to commit the offence; and<\/li>\n<li>The offender knew the \u201ccharacter\u201d of the counterfeit money.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Section 452 \u2013 \u201cuttering\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>The offender had the intent to commit the offence; and<\/li>\n<li>The offender knew the \u201ccharacter\u201d of the counterfeit money.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-3 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#000000;padding: 42px 60px 40px 60px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-1{margin-top:10px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:20px!important;margin-left:0px!important;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-1{margin-top:10px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:10px!important; margin-left:0px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-three\" style=\"margin-top:10px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:20px;margin-left:0px;\"><h3 class=\"title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;color:#ffffff;--fontSize:24;line-height:1.36;\">Are you being investigated by the police for a criminal offence?<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-top:20px;margin-right:20px;\"><p>Learn about precharge legal advice and how it can help you to avoid being charged with a criminal offence in the first place.<\/p>\n<\/div><div ><style>.fusion-button.button-1{border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;}.fusion-button.button-1 .fusion-button-text{text-transform:uppercase;}<\/style><a class=\"fusion-button button-flat fusion-button-default-size button-default button-1 fusion-button-default-span fusion-button-default-type cta-btn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=UffiFxzDq4A&amp;t=8s\" style=\"margin-bottom:20px;\"><span class=\"fusion-button-text\">Watch Video<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-3{width:100% !important;margin-top : 35px;margin-bottom : 30px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 42px !important;padding-right : 60px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 60px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 30px !important;padding-right : 30px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 30px !important;padding-left : 30px !important;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10\"><h2>Counterfeiting Defences<\/h2>\n<h3>How to beat a Counterfeiting Charge<\/h3>\n<p>The presence or absence of a defence to defamatory libel will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.\u00a0 However, the following are some common defences that may be used when fighting a counterfeiting charge.<\/p>\n<h3>Lack of knowledge<\/h3>\n<p>Sections 450 and 452 of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em> require that the Crown prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the offender had actual knowledge of the character of the counterfeit money.\u00a0 It is no longer the law that the Crown simply proves that the offender possessed or uttered the counterfeit money: <em>R v Freng<\/em>, 1993 CanLII 913 (BCCA).<\/p>\n<h3>The Crown did not sufficiently prove the character of the counterfeit money<\/h3>\n<p>Section 461 of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em> outlines several prerequisites the Crown is required to follow when proving the \u201cnature\u201d of the counterfeit money.\u00a0 This includes tendering a certificate of the examiner and a notice of the Crown\u2019s intention to produce the certificate at trial. A failure to follow these requirements may result in the Crown failing to prove the nature of the money as counterfeit.<\/p>\n<h3>Breach of<em> Charter <\/em>rights<\/h3>\n<p>The Crown must prove the elements of counterfeiting beyond a reasonable doubt.\u00a0 The Crown will likely attempt to prove these elements using evidence obtained by police during their investigation.\u00a0 However, this evidence must be obtained by police in a manner that complies with the <em>Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms <\/em>(the \u201c<em>Charter<\/em>\u201d).<\/p>\n<p>The <em>Charter<\/em> affords every person a number of legal rights, such as the right to be secure against unreasonable search and seizure, the right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned, the right to be informed of the reasons of their detention or arrest, and the right to counsel without counsel.<\/p>\n<p>If the police obtain any evidence in violation of your <em>Charter<\/em> rights, then a court may exclude this evidence from being used by the Crown at the trial depending on the severity of the <em>Charter<\/em> violation.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11\"><h2>Counterfeiting Punishments<\/h2>\n<p><strong>According s.498 of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-4 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column cases grey-box\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-12\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p>Every one who makes or begins to make counterfeit money is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-4{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 40px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-13\"><p><strong>According to s.450 of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-5 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column cases grey-box\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-14\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p>Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years who, without lawful justification or excuse,<\/p>\n<p><strong>(a)<\/strong>\u00a0buys, receives or offers to buy or receive counterfeit money;<\/p>\n<p><strong>(b)<\/strong>\u00a0has in their custody or possession counterfeit money; or<\/p>\n<p><strong>(c)<\/strong>\u00a0introduces counterfeit money into Canada.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-5{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 40px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-15\"><p><strong>According to s.452 of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-6 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column cases grey-box\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-16\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p>Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years who, without lawful justification or excuse,<\/p>\n<p><strong>(a)<\/strong>\u00a0utters or offers to utter counterfeit money or uses counterfeit money as if it were genuine, or<\/p>\n<p><strong>(b)<\/strong>\u00a0exports, sends or takes counterfeit money out of Canada.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-6{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 40px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-6{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-6{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-17\"><p>The sentence you receive for either ss.449, 450, or 452 will depend heavily on the circumstances of your case.\u00a0 Further, ss.449, 450, and 452 are \u201cstraight indictable\u201d offences.\u00a0 This means that the Crown cannot proceed by way of summary conviction and the offender must be punished by indictment.<\/p>\n<p>As such, an offender punished under ss.449, 450, or 452 will have the following options available to them upon sentence:\u00a0 suspended sentence, fine, fine and probation, jail and probation, or jail and fine.<\/p>\n<p>A maximum sentence of fourteen years of jail time is possible for offenders convicted under ss.449, 450, or 452.\u00a0 As such, neither a\u00a0 discharge nor conditional sentence order is available upon a conviction.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-18\"><h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-50991-1 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-50991-1 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f5f5f5 } #accordion-50991-1 .fusion-panel { border-color:#f5f5f5; border-width:0px; background-color:#f5f5f5; }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 16px; width: 16px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-1.fusion-toggle-icon-right .fusion-toggle-heading{ margin-right: 34px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-1 .panel-title a{font-size:24px;color:#c22127;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:700;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-1 .toggle-content{font-size:17px;color:#000000;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:300;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-1 .panel-title a:not(.active):hover, #accordion-50991-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-1.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:not(.active):hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group fusion-toggle-icon-right fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed\" id=\"accordion-50991-1\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-1 .panel-2247d5ffc8279ce34 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-1 .panel-2247d5ffc8279ce34 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-2247d5ffc8279ce34 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"2247d5ffc8279ce34\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-50991-1\" data-target=\"#2247d5ffc8279ce34\" href=\"#2247d5ffc8279ce34\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">What is an example of counterfeiting?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"2247d5ffc8279ce34\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>A common example of counterfeiting includes \u201ca person attempting to pass as genuine a near-perfect replica of current Canadian bill\u201d:\u00a0 <em>R v Hartle<\/em>, 2018 SKPC 62.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-1 .panel-f5be432267b07158b .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-1 .panel-f5be432267b07158b .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-f5be432267b07158b fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"f5be432267b07158b\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-50991-1\" data-target=\"#f5be432267b07158b\" href=\"#f5be432267b07158b\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Is counterfeiting a serious crime?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"f5be432267b07158b\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>Yes, counterfeiting is a serious criminal offence and is a straight indictable criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment.\u00a0 Frequently, those found guilty of a counterfeiting offence are given custodial sentences due to the serious nature of the offence.<\/p>\n<p>A counterfeiting conviction may also have severe employment and reputation consequences.\u00a0 A lifelong criminal record following a counterfeiting conviction will show current and future employers that you committed a property or financial offence.<\/p>\n<p>A counterfeiting conviction could also have severe immigration consequences for non-citizens.\u00a0 Under s. 36 of the <em>Immigration and Refugee Protection Act<\/em>, a person convicted of counterfeiting is inadmissible to Canada due to being convicted of a criminal offence meeting the requirements of serious criminality.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-1 .panel-990db903152e66040 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-1 .panel-990db903152e66040 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-990db903152e66040 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"990db903152e66040\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-50991-1\" data-target=\"#990db903152e66040\" href=\"#990db903152e66040\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Can you go to jail for counterfeiting?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"990db903152e66040\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>Yes, offenders convicted of counterfeiting often receive jail time sentences.\u00a0 Further, an offender may receive up to fourteen years imprisonment upon conviction.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-19\"><h2>Published Decisions<\/h2>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-50991-2 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-50991-2 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f5f5f5 } #accordion-50991-2 .fusion-panel { border-color:#f5f5f5; border-width:0px; background-color:#f5f5f5; }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-2 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-2 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 16px; width: 16px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-2.fusion-toggle-icon-right .fusion-toggle-heading{ margin-right: 34px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-2 .panel-title a{font-size:24px;color:#c22127;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:700;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-2 .toggle-content{font-size:17px;color:#000000;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:300;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-2 .panel-title a:not(.active):hover, #accordion-50991-2 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-2 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-2.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:not(.active):hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group fusion-toggle-icon-right fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed\" id=\"accordion-50991-2\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-2 .panel-436ce514428cd4b42 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-2 .panel-436ce514428cd4b42 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-436ce514428cd4b42 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"436ce514428cd4b42\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-50991-2\" data-target=\"#436ce514428cd4b42\" href=\"#436ce514428cd4b42\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">R v Robinson, 1973 CanLII 22 (SCC), 1974 SCR 573<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"436ce514428cd4b42\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>The offender had in his possession a number of unique coins resembling coins from the United States.\u00a0 The Supreme Court of Canada agreed with the Ontario Court of Appeal that the offender failed to demonstrate lawful justification or excuse that he was in possession of counterfeit coins and that holding onto or selling these coins for \u201cnumismatic\u201d value does not negate the offence of possessing counterfeit money.<\/p>\n<p>You can read the full decision <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/ca\/scc\/doc\/1973\/1973canlii22\/1973canlii22.html#document\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-2 .panel-4e6bbd3831295eb89 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-2 .panel-4e6bbd3831295eb89 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-4e6bbd3831295eb89 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"4e6bbd3831295eb89\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-50991-2\" data-target=\"#4e6bbd3831295eb89\" href=\"#4e6bbd3831295eb89\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">R v Freng, 1993 CanLII 913 (BCCA)<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"4e6bbd3831295eb89\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>The offender went on a trip with his friend to Vernon, British Columbia, and made a purchase with what appeared to be lawful money from the United States.\u00a0 The offender was unaware that his friend\u2019s money was counterfeit.\u00a0 The British Columbia Court of Appeal overturned his conviction and ruled that the Crown is required to knowledge that the offender had some knowledge of the character of the counterfeit money.<\/p>\n<p>You can read the full decision <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/bc\/bcca\/doc\/1993\/1993canlii913\/1993canlii913.html#document\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-2 .panel-713f18663c244f6e2 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50991-2 .panel-713f18663c244f6e2 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-713f18663c244f6e2 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"713f18663c244f6e2\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-50991-2\" data-target=\"#713f18663c244f6e2\" href=\"#713f18663c244f6e2\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">R v Duane, 1984 ABCA 115 (CanLII)<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"713f18663c244f6e2\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>The offender held onto counterfeit money for a friend.\u00a0 The offender decided to destroy the counterfeit money but the police arrived before the counterfeit could be destroyed. The Albert Court of Appeal ruled that possession of counterfeit money, even where the offender has no intention to use the counterfeit money, still establishes the offence.\u00a0 The offender was then convicted of possession of counterfeit money.<\/p>\n<p>You can read the full decision <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/ab\/abca\/doc\/1984\/1984abca115\/1984abca115.html#par4\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 30px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Counterfeiting is a serious criminal offence in Canada involving the creation or use of fake money, documents, or trademarks. Penalties can include large fines and prison time. Learn what counts as counterfeiting and how our lawyers can help defend your rights.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":51985,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[129],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-50991","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Counterfeiting Laws in Canada Expained | Strategic Criminal Defence FAQ<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/counterfeiting-charges-canada\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Counterfeiting Laws in Canada Expained | Strategic Criminal Defence FAQ\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Counterfeiting is a serious criminal offence in Canada involving the creation or use of fake money, documents, or trademarks. 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