It depends. If the forgery was so sloppy and obvious that an average person would likely detect it, you may be facing some legal trouble, putting a chill on your day. On the other hand, if the bogus bill looked genuine, was virtually undetectable, you probably will not be charged with the crime. (You can also expect not to receive any money in return.) Practically speaking, unless the police can show that you obtained the counterfeit bill in some way other than in common circulation, you are unlikely to be in any danger of being convicted of anything, or unless you admit you knew it was forged, but didn't want to be the one who got "stuck" with it.

(Reviewed 12-08)