Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in Union 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 up to 20 years in federal prison and substantial fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.

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Federal Law on Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations or Securities

Federal law prohibits the forgery, counterfeiting, or alteration of any obligation or security of the United States with the intent to defraud. This statute, 18 U.S.C. § 471, is the primary law governing the counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Union County clients may face. The law covers a wide range of items, including currency, treasury bonds, stamps, and other government-issued financial instruments. The key element the prosecution must prove is the specific intent to defraud. Defenses often challenge the evidence of intent, the authenticity of the alleged counterfeit, or the knowledge of the accused.

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.

Official Legal Resources

For the exact text of the federal counterfeiting statute, refer to 18 U.S.C. § 471 (official U.S. Code). For local court procedures and rules, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.

Defending Against Federal Counterfeiting Charges in Union County

Federal investigations for counterfeiting in New Jersey are typically conducted by the U.S. Secret Service or the FBI. The case will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. The process begins with a grand jury indictment. An experienced counterfeiting charge lawyer Union County must immediately scrutinize the indictment, challenge the government’s evidence through pretrial motions, and explore all procedural and substantive defenses. A strong defense may involve attacking the chain of custody of evidence, demonstrating lack of fraudulent intent, or negotiating a favorable plea agreement to a lesser charge.

Initial Consultation & Case Assessment: Immediately after arrest or receiving a target letter, consult with a federal defense attorney to understand the charges and potential penalties.
Grand Jury Proceedings: The government presents evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment. Your attorney cannot be present but can advise you on your rights.
Arraignment & Plea: You will be formally charged in court and enter a plea of not guilty, allowing your attorney time to review discovery.
Discovery & Motion Practice: Your attorney obtains all evidence from the prosecution and files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if constitutional violations occurred.
Plea Negotiations or Trial Preparation: Based on the evidence, your attorney will engage in plea negotiations with the U.S. Attorney’s Office or prepare for a jury trial.
Sentencing (if applicable): If convicted, your attorney will advocate at sentencing for the most lenient possible sentence under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

Potential Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting

In the U.S. District Court for New Jersey, 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 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) / $500,000 (organization)	Supervised release (post-prison), asset forfeiture, permanent criminal record, loss of professional licenses.
Possession of Counterfeit Currency (18 U.S.C. § 472)	Federal Felony	Up to 20 years	Up to $250,000	Same as above; often charged alongside § 471.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Our Experience in Federal Defense

Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal cases. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results. We understand the high stakes of federal court and the specific procedures of the District of New Jersey. Our approach is grounded in thorough investigation, aggressive motion practice, and strategic negotiation.

Mr. Sris
Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney
Bar Admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York
A former prosecutor and firm founder with a background in accounting and information systems, Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on federal criminal defense matters. He accepts a limited number of cases requiring advanced strategy and provides valuable insight into financial and technical evidence often central to counterfeiting and fraud cases.

Case Results & Client Advocacy

While specific results for counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Union County matters are confidential, our firm’s extensive federal practice has secured favorable outcomes in financial and property crime cases. We have successfully challenged the government’s evidence, negotiated reductions in charges, and advocated for lower sentences at sentencing hearings.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Local Federal Defense for Union County Residents

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) 651-3900
By appointment only.

Our New Jersey location represents clients throughout Union County, including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, and Cranford, who are facing federal charges in Newark or Trenton. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. As a federal counterfeit currency defense lawyer Union County resource, we offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.

Federal Counterfeiting Defense FAQs

What is considered a “U.S. obligation or security” under federal law?

It includes currency, Treasury bonds, stamps, postal money orders, and any other certificate or instrument issued under U.S. authority that has monetary value.

Can I be charged if I didn’t know the money was counterfeit?

It depends. The statute requires intent to defraud. If you genuinely had no knowledge the items were counterfeit and no intent to pass them off as real, that is a potential defense. However, prosecutors may argue circumstantial evidence shows you “should have known.”

What is the difference between state and federal counterfeiting charges?

State charges typically involve passing counterfeit currency at a local store and are handled in Superior Court. Federal charges, like under 18 U.S.C. § 471, involve the production, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute counterfeit obligations and are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in federal district court, carrying much heavier penalties.

What should I do if I am contacted by the Secret Service about counterfeiting?

Do not speak to agents without an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a federal criminal defense lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you.

Are there any defenses to a counterfeiting charge?

Yes. Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, entrapment, insufficient evidence linking you to the counterfeit items, and violations of your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest.

If you are under investigation or charged with counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Union County residents trust for defense, contact us as early as possible. We also represent clients on related state charges, such as those needing a counterfeiting charge lawyer Union County Municipal or Superior Court might handle.

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Page last verified: 2026-04. The law changes. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.