Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in Hanover, Virginia
Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the United States is a serious federal felony under 18 U.S.C. § 471, prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia. If you are under investigation or charged, you need a defense lawyer with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense for Hanover County residents facing these complex federal criminal charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County, VA | Virginia General Assembly
Federal Statute on Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations or Securities
The federal crime of counterfeiting U.S. obligations or securities is defined under Title 18 of the United States Code. The primary statute, 18 U.S.C. § 471, makes it a crime to falsely make, forge, counterfeit, or alter any obligation or security of the United States with the intent to defraud. This includes U.S. currency, Treasury bonds, notes, and other government securities. The law is designed to protect the integrity of the nation’s financial instruments and carries severe penalties upon conviction. The statute’s broad language covers various acts of fabrication and deception related to federal financial documents.
Prosecution for this offense falls under federal jurisdiction, meaning cases from Hanover County are typically handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The federal system operates under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which dictate procedures and potential sentences. A conviction requires the government to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly created or altered a counterfeit item with fraudulent intent. Defenses often challenge the evidence of intent, knowledge, or the authenticity of the alleged counterfeit.
Official Government Resources
For the exact text of the federal law, refer to 18 U.S.C. § 471 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local federal court procedures and rules in the Eastern District of Virginia, visit the official website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Defending Against Federal Counterfeiting Charges in Hanover
Federal investigations for counterfeiting obligations or securities of the US often involve agencies like the U.S. Secret Service or the FBI. In Hanover County, such a case would likely be prosecuted in the Richmond or Alexandria divisions of the Eastern District of Virginia. The process begins with a grand jury indictment, followed by arraignment, discovery, pre-trial motions, and potentially a trial. The federal system moves deliberately, and the stakes are high, with convictions skilled to lengthy prison sentences.
- Initial Consultation & Case Assessment: Immediately contact a federal criminal defense lawyer. Do not speak to investigators without counsel present.
- Grand Jury Proceedings: If not already indicted, a grand jury will review evidence to determine if there is probable cause to charge you.
- Arraignment & Plea: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your defense lawyer will obtain all evidence from the prosecution and conduct an independent investigation.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues before trial.
- Trial or Negotiation: Your case will either proceed to a jury trial or be resolved through a plea negotiation, depending on the evidence and strategy.
Potential Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting
In the federal system, counterfeiting U.S. obligations or securities under 18 U.S.C. § 471 is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and significant fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations or 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. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex federal cases. Our firm-wide track includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the immense pressure of federal investigations and are prepared to mount an aggressive defense from the initial contact through trial. Our approach is collaborative, leveraging the specific skills of our attorneys, including Mr. Sris and Matthew Greene, who focus on federal criminal charges defense.
Case Results for Hanover County Residents
While specific results for counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US in Hanover are not publicly listed, our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in federal cases. For example, in Hanover County General District Court, we have secured a “Not Guilty” verdict for a client charged with “FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE UCRA” under Virginia Code § 46.2-703D. This result demonstrates our commitment to thorough case preparation and effective courtroom advocacy.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on federal criminal defense, Matthew Greene, brings over 30 years of experience, including former death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing deep insight into high-stakes litigation.
Contact Our Hanover County Federal Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients in Hanover County facing federal criminal charges. We are near the federal courthouses in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
We serve the communities of Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Charges
What does “obligations or securities of the United States” mean?
It includes U.S. currency (bills, coins), Treasury bonds, notes, stamps, and other financial instruments issued by the U.S. government. Counterfeiting any of these items with intent to defraud violates 18 U.S.C. § 471.
Is counterfeiting a state or federal crime?
Counterfeiting U.S. obligations or securities is exclusively a federal crime. It is investigated by federal agencies like the Secret Service and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in federal district court.
What are the potential penalties if convicted?
If convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 471, you face up to 20 years in federal prison, fines up to $250,000, and mandatory asset forfeiture. Sentences are guided by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Why do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer?
A specialized criminal attorney with federal experience is crucial because federal procedures, evidence rules, and sentencing are vastly different from state court. An effective defense requires knowledge of federal law and practice.
What should I do if I’m under investigation?
Immediately exercise your right to remain silent and contact a defense lawyer. Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present, as anything you say can be used against you in federal court.
If your case reaches beyond Hanover County, our page on counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US charges across Virginia sets out what to look for at each stage.