Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in Greene County, VA
Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US is a serious federal felony under 18 U.S.C. § 471, prosecuted in the Western District of Virginia. If you are under investigation or charged in Greene County, you need a lawyer with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for federal charges, including counterfeit currency defense lawyer Greene County representation.
Federal Law on Counterfeiting US Obligations or Securities
Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the United States is a federal crime defined in Title 18 of the U.S. Code. The primary statute is 18 U.S.C. § 471, which makes it illegal to falsely make, forge, counterfeit, or alter any obligation or security of the United States with intent to defraud. This includes U.S. currency, Treasury bonds, and other government securities. The law is enforced by federal agencies like the U.S. Secret Service and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, which has jurisdiction over Greene County.
Last verified: March 2026 | Western District of Virginia Federal Court | U.S. Code
Official Federal Resources
For the official text of the federal counterfeiting statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 471 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on the federal court serving Greene County, visit the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia website.
Defending Federal Counterfeiting Charges in Greene County
Federal counterfeiting cases in Greene County typically begin with an investigation by the Secret Service or another federal agency. The procedural path is complex, moving from investigation to grand jury indictment, arraignment, discovery, motions, and potentially trial. A key local procedural fact is that while Greene County residents may be investigated locally, their cases are filed in federal court, often in Charlottesville or Harrisonburg, as part of the Western District. The prosecution must prove you acted with intent to defraud, which is a critical point for defense.
- Initial Investigation & Contact: If contacted by federal agents (FBI, Secret Service), you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Do not answer questions without your lawyer present.
- Grand Jury Indictment: For felony counterfeiting charges, a grand jury must issue an indictment. Your attorney can monitor this process and may present exculpatory evidence to the prosecutor beforehand to potentially avoid indictment.
- Arraignment & Plea: You will be formally charged in federal court and enter a plea (not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere). Your lawyer will argue for your release on bond or personal recognizance.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your defense attorney will review all evidence, file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s case. This phase is critical for a counterfeiting charge lawyer Greene County.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Most federal cases end in a plea agreement. Your lawyer will negotiate for reduced charges or a favorable sentence. If the case goes to trial, it will be before a federal judge and jury.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the face value of the counterfeit items and your criminal history.
Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting
In Greene County, counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counterfeiting US Obligations (18 U.S.C. § 471) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | Forfeiture of assets, permanent federal 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 | Same as above; penalties increase with the scale of the operation. |
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. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to complex federal cases. Our approach to counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Greene County representation is built on understanding both the technical elements of the law and the strategies of federal prosecutors. We prepare every case with the diligence required for federal court.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in criminal defense. While specific results for counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US in Greene County are not listed here, our team applies proven defense strategies to protect our clients’ rights and futures in federal court. We work to challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate for the best possible resolution in every case.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
For federal cases, our team includes Matthew Greene, who has over 30 years of experience, including handling serious federal matters. His extensive courtroom background is a key asset in building a strong defense.
Contact Our Greene County Federal Defense Lawyers
Our Fairfax location serves clients facing federal charges in Greene County. We are accessible via Route 29 and Route 33. We provide federal criminal defense lawyer services near Stanardsville and Ruckersville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Federal Counterfeiting Charges in Greene County
What does “obligations or securities of the United States” mean?
It includes U.S. paper currency, coins, Treasury bonds, stamps, and other official government financial instruments. Counterfeiting any of these items is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 471.
What is the difference between state and federal counterfeiting charges?
Counterfeiting U.S. currency is always a federal crime. State charges may apply to forging checks or other non-governmental documents. Federal penalties are typically more severe, involve federal prison, and are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in districts like the Western District of Virginia.
What should I do if the Secret Service wants to question me?
Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request an attorney. You have a Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact a counterfeiting charge lawyer Greene County residents can trust for guidance before any interaction.
Can I get a plea deal in a federal counterfeiting case?
It depends. Many federal cases are resolved through plea agreements. The possibility and terms depend on the evidence, your history, the amount involved, and your attorney’s negotiation. A good lawyer can often negotiate to reduce charges or argue for a lower sentence.
Where will my case be heard if I’m charged in Greene County?
Your case will be in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia. Depending on the specific division, your arraignment and hearings may be in Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, or Roanoke. Your lawyer will handle all court appearances and filings.
For more information on related defense services, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. If you are facing other charges, we also assist with DUI cases in Greene County.
Page Last verified: March 2026. Federal laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Greene County representation.