Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in Monmouth County, NJ
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 District of New Jersey. A conviction can result in decades in federal prison, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Federal Law on Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations or Securities
The federal statute criminalizing the counterfeiting of U.S. obligations or securities is 18 U.S.C. § 471. This law makes it a crime to falsely make, forge, counterfeit, or alter any obligation or security of the United States with the intent to defraud. “Obligations or securities” includes U.S. currency, Treasury bills, bonds, notes, and other instruments issued under the authority of the United States. The statute is broad and covers not just the finished product, but also the possession of plates, stones, or other tools used for counterfeiting with fraudulent intent.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the exact text of the federal law, see 18 U.S.C. § 471 (Counterfeiting and Forgery). 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 Counterfeiting Charges in Monmouth County
Federal counterfeiting cases in Monmouth County are typically investigated by the U.S. Secret Service or Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. The case proceeds in federal court, following the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. A strong defense often requires challenging the evidence of intent to defraud, the authenticity of the alleged counterfeit items, and the legality of the investigation. Early intervention is critical, especially during the investigative stage before an indictment is filed.
- Initial Investigation: Federal agents may execute search warrants, conduct surveillance, or make undercover purchases.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The U.S. Attorney presents evidence to a federal grand jury to secure an indictment.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: You appear in U.S. District Court, enter a plea, and the court decides on pretrial release or detention.
- Discovery & Motions: Your lawyer reviews all evidence and files pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases resolve through plea agreements. If not, the case proceeds to a jury trial in federal court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the face value of the counterfeit items.
Potential Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting
In Monmouth County, a conviction for counterfeiting U.S. obligations or securities under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations or Securities (18 U.S.C. § 471) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | As set by court | Forfeiture of assets, permanent federal record, difficulty obtaining employment/housing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Background in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to federal cases. Our approach is grounded in a detailed review of the government’s evidence and the specific intent required for a conviction. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, which strengthens our position in negotiations.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results for counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Monmouth County cases are not listed, SRIS, P.C. has a firm-wide record of over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We apply our extensive experience in federal court procedures and sentencing guidelines to defend clients against serious charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Federal Counterfeiting Defense Lawyer Near Monmouth County
Our New Jersey location represents clients facing federal charges in Monmouth County. We are accessible via the Garden State Parkway and Route 18. If you need a counterfeiting charge lawyer Monmouth County, contact us for a consultation.
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) 651-9900
By appointment only.
We serve clients in Freehold, Tinton Falls, Red Bank, Long Branch, Asbury Park, Middletown, Holmdel, Marlboro, Manalapan, Howell, Wall Township, Neptune, and Colts Neck.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities Charges
What does “obligations or securities of the United States” mean?
It includes U.S. currency (bills, coins), Treasury bonds, notes, bills, stamps, and other instruments issued under U.S. authority. The law protects the integrity of all these financial instruments.
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, deeds, or other non-federal documents. A counterfeit currency defense lawyer Monmouth County must be familiar with federal law and procedure.
Can I be charged if I only possessed counterfeit money?
Yes. Possessing counterfeit U.S. currency with intent to defraud is a separate crime under 18 U.S.C. § 472. Mere possession without knowledge it is fake is a defense.
What are common defenses to counterfeiting charges?
Defenses include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, entrapment, and challenging the authenticity of the evidence. The government must prove you knew the items were counterfeit and intended to use them fraudulently.
Who investigates counterfeiting cases?
The U.S. Secret Service has primary jurisdiction. Other agencies like Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) or the FBI may also be involved, especially in larger operations.
What should I do if I am contacted by federal agents?
Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request to speak with a lawyer. Do not consent to any searches. Call a federal defense attorney before speaking with investigators.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients with related matters like Business Law in Monmouth County and Federal Criminal Defense in Bergen County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws 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 Monmouth County matters.
Monmouth County cases follow the same route as the rest of the state, and our page on counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US cases in New Jersey explains each stage.
Your case in Monmouth 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 Monmouth County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Monmouth Vicinage (9th Vicinage), 71 Monument Park, Freehold, NJ 07728, telephone (732) 677-4200, 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 Monmouth 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: Monmouth County NJ lawyers directory · Counterfeiting of Obligations or Lawyer Bergen County · Counterfeiting of Obligations or Lawyer Hudson County.