Passport Fraud
The crime of Passport fraud is a felony offense solely in the purview of
Federal law. Generally, passport fraud exists when one falsely makes,
forges, counterfeits, mutilates, or alters any passport or instrument
purporting to be a passport, with the intent that it may be used; or when
one willfully and knowingly uses, or attempts to use, or furnishes to
another for use, any such false, forged, counterfeited, mutilated, or
altered passport or instrument purporting to be a passport, or any passport
validly issued which has become void. Most passport fraud offenses occur
during the commission of other offenses including drug trafficking, money
laundering, international terrorism, human trafficking, or immigration
fraud by undocumented aliens trying to enter or remain in the United States.
Passport fraud is punishable by a fine and/or a term of imprisonment not
to exceed 10 years. A fraudulent passport used in the facilitation of
an act of international terrorism is punishable by a fine and/or a term
of imprisonment not to exceed 25 years. One used in the facilitation of
drug trafficking is punishable by a fine and/or a term of imprisonment
not exceed 15 years. One used in the facilitation of any other crimes
is punishable by a fine and/or a term of imprisonment not to exceed 15 years.
Attorney Paul Petruzzi has over 22 years of experience defending clients
charged with passport fraud. He has represented hundreds of clients charged
with, or under investigation for, a variety of fraud offenses. If you
or a loved one is facing this type of fraud charge, it is important to
hire an experienced attorney. Attorney Paul Petruzzi’s knowledge
and expertise defending passport fraud offenses is a vital asset to anyone
charged with these crimes. Call today for a free consultation.