Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ
Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US is a serious federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 471, 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 and substantial fines.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey legislature
Federal Law on Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations or Securities
Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the United States is a federal crime defined under Title 18, Section 471 of the U.S. Code. 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, Treasury bonds, notes, and other government-issued financial instruments. The law is enforced by federal agencies like the U.S. Secret Service and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. Cases are heard in federal court, not state court, meaning the penalties and procedures are governed by federal law.
For a counterfeiting charge lawyer Bergen County, understanding the federal system is critical. The process often begins with a grand jury indictment, followed by arraignment, discovery, and pre-trial motions in the Newark or Camden divisions of the U.S. District Court.
Official Legal 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 handling these cases in New Jersey, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
Defending Against Federal Counterfeiting Charges in Bergen County
Federal counterfeiting investigations in Bergen County are typically conducted by the U.S. Secret Service or Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The key local procedural fact is that all federal indictable offenses, including counterfeiting, are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and heard in the U.S. District Court. New Jersey has no cash bail system for federal detainees; a judge determines pre-trial release based on flight risk and danger to the community.
- Initial Investigation: Federal agents may execute search warrants and conduct interviews.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The prosecution presents evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment.
- Arraignment: You appear in U.S. District Court to hear the charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews all evidence and files pre-trial motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The case may be resolved through a plea agreement or proceed to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on federal guidelines.
In Bergen County, federal counterfeiting of U.S. obligations or securities carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and 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) | Asset forfeiture, restitution, permanent criminal record |
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 bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to federal cases. We understand the high stakes of federal prosecutions and the specific strategies needed in the District of New Jersey.
Case Results
While specific results for counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US in Bergen County are not listed, our firm-wide approach to federal defense has contributed to over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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) 334-7465
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US” mean?
It is the federal crime of falsely creating or altering U.S. government financial instruments like currency or bonds with intent to defraud, under 18 U.S.C. § 471.
What court hears counterfeiting cases in Bergen County?
These are federal crimes. They are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, not in Bergen County Superior Court.
What are the penalties for a federal counterfeiting conviction?
Penalties can include up to 20 years in federal prison, fines up to $250,000 for individuals, and mandatory restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.
What should I do if I’m under federal investigation for counterfeiting?
Do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Contact a counterfeit currency defense lawyer Bergen County immediately. An attorney can protect your rights during the investigation and before charges are filed.
What defenses are available against counterfeiting charges?
Potential defenses include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, challenging the authenticity of the evidence, and entrapment. A counterfeiting charge lawyer Bergen County can evaluate the specific facts of your case.
For more information, see our pages on New Jersey Federal Criminal Lawyer or Federal Criminal Lawyer in Atlantic County. If you are facing other charges, we also handle Business Law in Bergen County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen 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 Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, 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 Bergen 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: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Counterfeiting of Obligations or Lawyer Hudson County · Counterfeiting of Obligations or Lawyer Monmouth County.