Counterfeiting Of Obligations Or Securities Of The US Lawyer Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?

Counterfeiting obligations or securities of the US is a serious federal felony under 18 U.S.C. § 471, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. If you are under investigation or charged in Virginia, you need a defense lawyer with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these complex charges.

Federal Law on Counterfeiting Obligations or Securities

Federal law aggressively prosecutes the creation or distribution of fake U.S. currency, bonds, or other government securities. The primary statute is 18 U.S.C. § 471, which makes it a crime to falsely make, forge, counterfeit, or alter any obligation or security of the United States with intent to defraud. This includes not just paper money, but also treasury bonds, notes, bills, and certificates of deposit. The related statute, 18 U.S.C. § 472, criminalizes the passing, uttering, publishing, or possessing of such counterfeit items with intent to defraud. These are not state-level charges handled in local courts; they are federal offenses prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Last verified: April 2026 | Federal District Courts for the Eastern & Western Districts of Virginia | U.S. Code

Official Federal Resources

For the official text of the law, see 18 U.S.C. § 471 (Counterfeiting and Forgery) on the Legal Information Institute. For information on the federal courts in Virginia where these cases are tried, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.

Building a Defense in Virginia’s Federal Courts

Defending against charges of counterfeiting obligations or securities of the US requires a detailed understanding of federal procedure and the specific practices of the relevant U.S. Attorney’s Office. In Virginia, these cases are typically filed in either the Eastern District (covering Northern Virginia, Richmond, Newport News) or the Western District (covering Roanoke, Charlottesville, Lynchburg). The prosecution must prove you had the specific intent to defraud. A strong defense often involves challenging the evidence of intent, the authenticity of the materials, or the chain of custody. Early intervention by a skilled criminal court lawyer is critical to investigate the facts, file pre-trial motions, and negotiate with federal prosecutors before an indictment is secured.

1. Initial Consultation & Case Assessment: Contact our firm immediately if you are under investigation or have been charged. We will analyze the government’s evidence and your exposure.
2. Investigation & Evidence Review: We conduct a thorough investigation, which may include reviewing forensic reports on the alleged counterfeit items and interviewing witnesses.
3. Pre-Indictment Negotiations: If possible, we engage with the U.S. Attorney’s Office before formal charges are filed to present mitigating factors or seek a lesser charge.
4. Formal Defense & Motions: After an indictment, we file appropriate motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if constitutional or procedural rights were violated.
5. Trial Preparation or Plea Negotiation: We prepare a vigorous trial defense while simultaneously evaluating any potential plea agreements that may be in your best interest.
6. Sentencing Advocacy: If a conviction occurs, we advocate forcefully at sentencing, presenting factors to argue for a sentence below the federal guidelines.

Potential Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting

In Virginia, a conviction for counterfeiting obligations or securities of the US under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and substantial fines.

Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.

Why Choose Our Firm for Your Criminal Charges Defense

Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of federal charges and provide a defense built on meticulous preparation and aggressive advocacy. Our lead attorney for complex federal matters like counterfeiting obligations or securities of the US is Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions who personally handles a limited number of advanced federal cases.

Documented Case Results

While every case is unique, our firm’s approach to federal criminal defense has yielded successful outcomes. We have secured dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements in complex federal cases. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.

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