New York(Washington Insider Magazine) -If you have some money to burn, you better not set fit to your cash right away. You will be surprised to know that burning money is illegal in the United States. Moreover, if you are caught doing this illegal activity, you will have to stay 10 years in prison. Not to forget the other fines and problems you may have to face. The USA has set rules against burning a dollar bill or even a penny at the railroad tracks. The Federal Government is making such laws to use precious metals and mint many coins.
Is It Illegal To Burn Money In The US?
It is illegal to burn money in the US which also includes both money notes and coins. According to section 333 of the US criminal code, these rules are set by the Federal Government. The following actions are prohibited according to the law. The list includes:
- Mutilation of the currency
- Cutting the U.S. bills
- Defacing money or coins in general
- You cannot disfigure US money in any possible way
- Perforating money is not allowed in the US
- Users cannot unite or cement any money together
As a general rule, you cannot do anything with your money. If you are caught doing something, don’t forget you will land in trouble right away. Sometimes it feels tempting to burn your money though, but being in the US doesn’t allow you. No matter what, you will not like to get prosecuted for your actions.
Why Is It Illegal To Burn Money In The USA?
The Federal Government has to hold the U.S. paper and coin currency to maintain a necessary supply of money. There is no doubt that money is used daily for various purposes. If it gets a shortfall, problems will crop up for the economy and people in general. The U.S. treasury has set an average lifespan for the bills. Each bill must be ready to circulate in a certain period. This is the reason you cannot alter, burn or destroy money in any way.
Such laws exist to prevent people from money laundering. Many swindlers and counterfeits use money illegally for their benefit. The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing is responsible for printing money. They have to regulate money and distribute the currency according to their laws. They must destroy money only if there is a shortage of money.
What Is The Punishment For Burning Money In The US?
The US Government has set some rules and restrictions regarding the use of money. You cannot burn, destroy or alter any of the bills and coins. If you are found guilty of doing this, get ready to have a punishment. The usual punishment for this criminal act is fine. The law of the Criminal code states that the person may get six months to 10 years in jail. However, imprisonment will depend on the number of notes you are burning.
This punishment is valid for those who are found guilty of defacing and mutilating money as well. These are the clear rules to protect money and you cannot think of getting away from this act. The best idea is to protect and save your money instead of going against the rules. You must understand that the laws of punishment for mutilating coins or burning money can be different.
Monetary destruction can cause serious issues considering it costs a lot to print them. According to Chapter 17 in the U.S. code, serious rules are set against burning money. Anyone who alters defaces, mutilates, or impairs the money or coins has to pay fines. Moreover, they have to serve a particular time frame in jail. Similarly, a person who cuts defaces, or does anything to the bills and draft will be imprisoned for many years or months.
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How Is The U.S. Currency Different From Others?
You will be surprised to know that the U.S currency is much different from other currencies. The paper money in the U.S. is made up of 75% cotton and 25% linen. This is why it can cause potential destruction due to its flammable nature. If we compare the Canadian dollar it is made up of polymer.
Moreover, it is much more flexible. Whether you soak, step, or crumple it, nothing bad will happen. As the Federal Government has to issue new notes and coins, they must not allow others to burn them. Money circulation must remain under control for the country to survive in tough situations.