Penal Code 475 PC "Possession of Counterfeit Items"

Criminal defense lawyer Neil Shouse explains California penal code 475 PC, the statute that makes it illegal to possess counterfeit items or forged documents.

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California penal code 475, also called PC 475 or 475 PC, is the law that makes it illegal to have possession of a counterfeit item, such as a forged check, a fake money order, or a fake court order, with the intention of using it fraudulently.

PC 475 is considered a "wobbler" which means that the prosecutor can charge it as either a felony or a misdemeanor. If convicted of 475 PC, the sentencing can be up to 3 years in prison if convicted of the felony version, and up to 1 year in jail if convicted of 475 PC as a misdemeanor.

There are many defenses to 475 PC however. If the defendant didn't even know the items were counterfeit, or had no intention of defrauding anyone with the items, then they have not committed the crime of penal code 475. And if the police found the counterfeit items with an illegal search and seizure, then the evidence can be thrown out of court by a judge, and the charges will likely be dismissed.

If you or a loved one is charged with a crime we invite you to contact us at Shouse Law Group. We can provide a free consultation in office or by phone. We have local offices in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena, Long Beach, Orange County, Ventura, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, San Diego, Sacramento, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose and throughout California.