If you are caught creating or using a fake, altered, forged, or counterfeit document or note in Michigan, you may be charged with a federal crime, not a state-level crime. Forgery and counterfeiting are also prohibited under 18 U.S. Code Chapter 25, §§470 – 514.
When you are accused of creating or using fake U.S. money, whether it is paper money or coin, you are likely to be charged with a federal offense. Under §471, making, forging, altering or counterfeiting any security of the U.S. with the intent to defraud can be punished with fines and up to 20 years in prison. If you pass, utter, publish, or sell forged or counterfeit securities with the intent to defraud, you can be fined and sent to prison for up to 20 years under §472.
In general, the terms of incarceration for federal forgery and counterfeiting offenses are longer than those for similar state-level crimes. If you are charged with a federal offense, you need to speak with an attorney about the life-changing penalties you could face.