Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in Charlotte, Virginia
Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the United States is a serious federal felony under 18 U.S.C. § 471, prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Western or Eastern District of Virginia. If you are facing these charges in Charlotte County, you need a defense lawyer with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Federal Statute on Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations or Securities
Counterfeiting U.S. obligations or securities is defined under federal law as the act of forging, copying, or altering any bond, certificate, obligation, or other security of the United States with the intent to defraud. The primary statute is 18 U.S.C. § 471. This law is part of a broader framework of federal crimes against the currency and financial system, which includes related offenses like possessing counterfeit plates (18 U.S.C. § 474) and passing counterfeit securities (18 U.S.C. § 472). The U.S. Secret Service typically leads these investigations.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Western/Eastern District of Virginia | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal statute, visit the U.S. Code § 471 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local federal court procedures and rules in Virginia, refer to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
Federal Court Process in Charlotte County
Federal criminal cases for Charlotte County residents are heard in either the Western District (Roanoke) or Eastern District (Richmond) of Virginia. The process is distinct from state court. After an arrest or indictment by a federal grand jury, an initial appearance and arraignment are held. The Speedy Trial Act requires trial within 70 days of indictment, though complex cases often have excludable delays. A criminal court lawyer must be well-versed in Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and local court rules.
- Initial Appearance & Arraignment: You will be informed of the charges and your rights. A plea of not guilty is typically entered at this stage.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your defense lawyer will review all evidence (discovery) from the prosecution and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations: The U.S. Attorney’s Office may offer a plea agreement. Your attorney will negotiate for the best possible outcome, which could involve reduced charges.
- Trial or Sentencing: If no plea is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial. If convicted or if a plea is accepted, the judge will determine the sentence based on the Guidelines.
Penalties for Counterfeiting U.S. Securities
In federal court, Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the United States under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and significant fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations/Securities (18 U.S.C. § 471) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Forfeiture of assets, permanent criminal record, loss of certain civil rights. |
| Possessing Counterfeit Plates (18 U.S.C. § 474) | Federal Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $250,000 | Similar severe collateral consequences. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Federal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of handling complex federal matters. Our approach involves a detailed analysis of the government’s evidence, challenging procedural errors, and building a defense focused on your specific circumstances.
Case Results
Our firm has a firm-wide track record of 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In federal cases, favorable outcomes can include pre-trial diversions, charge reductions, negotiated pleas for lower sentencing ranges, and, where the evidence allows, acquittals at trial. For instance, Of Counsel attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, brings deep courtroom knowledge to the defense team.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Charlotte County Federal Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves Charlotte County and is accessible for case consultations. We serve Charlotte and surrounding communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations available.
Federal Counterfeiting Charges FAQ
What does “obligations or securities of the United States” mean?
It includes U.S. currency, Treasury bonds, notes, bills, stamps, and other instruments issued under U.S. authority with monetary value. Forging any of these items violates 18 U.S.C. § 471.
Is intent required for a federal counterfeiting conviction?
Yes. The prosecution must prove you acted with the intent to defraud. A skilled criminal charges defense attorney can challenge the evidence of your knowledge and intent.
What agency investigates these crimes?
It depends. The U.S. Secret Service has primary jurisdiction, but investigations often involve the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), or local law enforcement working with federal task forces.
Can I be charged in both state and federal court for the same act?
Yes, under the dual sovereignty doctrine. However, it is not common for standard counterfeiting cases. A defense lawyer can analyze your specific situation to understand the jurisdictional strategy.
What are the first steps after being charged?
1. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney. 2. Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. 3. Your lawyer will secure your release, analyze the indictment, and begin building your defense strategy for the U.S. District Court.
Are there any defenses to counterfeiting charges?
Potential defenses include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, entrapment, or challenging the authenticity of the evidence. Each case is unique, and a thorough review by your criminal attorney is essential.
Internal Links: For more on federal defense, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Lawyer hub. For related local issues, consider a Charlotte reckless driving lawyer or an Indecent Exposure lawyer in Charlotte.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For current guidance on Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US defense in Charlotte, Virginia, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
For the full picture beyond Charlotte County, our page on counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US cases in Virginia covers the process end to end.