Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in Hunterdon County, NJ
Federal counterfeiting charges under 18 U.S.C. § 471 are serious felonies prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. A conviction can result in up to 20 years in federal prison, substantial fines, and forfeiture.
Federal Counterfeiting Law and Penalties
Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the United States is a federal crime defined under Title 18, United States Code, Section 471. This statute makes it illegal 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, bonds, treasury notes, and other government securities.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | Federal statutes are maintained by the U.S. Government Publishing Office.
The law firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a unique perspective from both sides of the courtroom to building a defense.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal counterfeiting statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 471 on the U.S. Government Publishing Office website. For information on the federal court serving Hunterdon County, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Hunterdon County Federal Court Process for Counterfeiting Charges
Federal counterfeiting cases from Hunterdon County are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and heard in the federal courthouse in Newark or Trenton. The process is distinct from state court. Investigations are typically conducted by the U.S. Secret Service, which has primary jurisdiction over counterfeiting. The case begins with a federal indictment from a grand jury. Given the scope of federal evidence, including digital forensics for modern counterfeit operations, early intervention by a defense lawyer is critical.
- Initial Investigation & Contact: You may be contacted by federal agents (Secret Service, FBI). Do not speak to them without your lawyer present. Contact our firm as early as possible.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The prosecutor presents evidence to a federal grand jury. If indicted, you will be arrested or summoned to court for an arraignment.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: You will enter a plea (not guilty initially). The judge will decide if you are released pending trial or detained.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer will review all evidence. We file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases resolve by plea agreement. We negotiate for reduced charges or favorable sentencing recommendations. If necessary, we are prepared for trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence based on the guidelines, statutory maximums, and arguments from both sides.
Potential Penalties for Counterfeiting
In federal court, counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US under 18 U.S.C. § 471 is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, fines up to $250,000 for individuals, and mandatory restitution.
| 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) | Forfeiture of assets, restitution, supervised release after prison. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We approach federal counterfeiting cases with a detailed understanding of the laws, the involved agencies like the Secret Service, and the strategies that can impact the outcome. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions, including New Jersey, providing insight into government tactics.
Documented Case Results
While we maintain specific case results for our clients’ privacy, our firm-wide track record across all practice areas includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We apply this extensive litigation experience to every federal case we handle.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Hunterdon County Federal Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Hunterdon County. We are accessible via I-78 and Route 31. We serve individuals in Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, Readington, Raritan Township, High Bridge, Califon, and Annandale.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 455-5120
By appointment only.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Counterfeiting Charges in Hunterdon County
What does “counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US” mean?
It is the federal crime of falsely creating or altering U.S. currency, bonds, or other government financial instruments with intent to defraud, under 18 U.S.C. § 471.
Who investigates counterfeit currency cases in Hunterdon County?
The U.S. Secret Service has primary jurisdiction. They often work with local police. If you are contacted, you need a counterfeit currency defense lawyer Hunterdon County residents can trust before speaking to agents.
What are the penalties for a federal counterfeiting conviction?
Penalties include up to 20 years in federal prison, large fines, and asset forfeiture. Sentencing uses strict federal guidelines. A counterfeiting charge lawyer Hunterdon County can work to mitigate these severe consequences.
Can I be charged if I unknowingly passed a counterfeit bill?
It depends. The law requires intent to defraud. If you did not know the money was fake, it is a potential defense. Proving lack of knowledge requires strong evidence and legal argument.
What should I do if I’m arrested for a federal counterfeiting crime?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Contact our firm. Do not discuss the case with anyone. Federal cases are demanding, and early legal intervention is important for defense strategy.
Other Legal Services in Hunterdon County
If you need assistance with other matters, we also handle business law, civil litigation, and DUI defense in Hunterdon County. For more information on federal defense, visit our New Jersey federal criminal lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Bergen County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
For the full picture beyond Hunterdon County, our page on counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US cases in New Jersey covers the process end to end.
Your case in Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Federal charges are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark, Trenton and Camden), not in county court; related state charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Hunterdon County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Hunterdon Vicinage (13th Vicinage), 65 Park Avenue, Flemington, NJ 08822, telephone (908) 824-9750, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is Title 18 of the United States Code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Hunterdon County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Hunterdon County NJ lawyers directory · Counterfeiting of Obligations or Lawyer Bergen County · Counterfeiting of Obligations or Lawyer Hudson County · Counterfeiting of Obligations or Lawyer Monmouth County.