Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in Hudson 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.

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Federal Law on Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations or Securities

The federal statute criminalizing the forgery or counterfeiting of U.S. securities and obligations 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. This includes U.S. currency, Treasury bonds, stamps, and other government instruments. The statute is part of a broader chapter of federal law designed to protect the integrity of U.S. financial instruments and the economy.

Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | 18 U.S.C. § 471

Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has built a practice focused on federal defense. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, brings a strategic understanding of how federal agencies like the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI build these cases from the initial investigation through indictment.

Official Legal Resources

18 U.S.C. § 471 – Counterfeiting and Forgery of United States Obligations or Securities (U.S. Code)
U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Official Court Website)

Defending a Counterfeiting Charge in Hudson County’s Federal Court

Federal counterfeiting cases in New Jersey are typically investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, often in conjunction with local Hudson County law enforcement. The case will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and heard at the federal courthouse in Newark. A strong defense requires challenging the evidence of intent to defraud, the authenticity of the alleged counterfeit items, and the procedures used in the investigation. For a counterfeiting charge lawyer Hudson County, early intervention is critical to negotiate before indictment or to prepare a vigorous trial defense.

Initial Investigation & Contact: If you suspect you are under investigation, do not speak to agents without an attorney. Contact a federal defense lawyer as early as possible.
Grand Jury Indictment: The prosecutor presents evidence to a federal grand jury. If indicted, you will be arraigned in U.S. District Court.
Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence, file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s case.
Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases end in a plea agreement. Your lawyer will negotiate for a favorable outcome. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which are severe for counterfeiting offenses.

Potential Penalties for Counterfeiting U.S. Securities

In federal court, a conviction for Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the United States under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

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	Forfeiture of assets, permanent felony record, loss of certain civil rights.
Conspiracy to Counterfeit (18 U.S.C. § 371)	Federal Felony	Up to 5 years	Up to $250,000	Same as above; all conspirators can be held liable for actions of others.

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

Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Counterfeiting Defense

The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined legal experience and a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results, we understand the high stakes of federal court. We approach each case with a focus on the specific details of the alleged counterfeit operation, the evidence chain, and the client’s background to build the most effective defense strategy.

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 a distinct advantage in financial crime cases like counterfeiting. He provides strategic oversight on a limited number of federal defense matters, ensuring deep, strategic involvement from investigation through resolution.

Case Results in Federal Defense

The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across our practice areas. While specific results for Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US in Hudson County are not listed here, our extensive experience in federal courts provides the foundation for a strong defense in your case.

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

Contact Our Hudson County Federal Defense Lawyers

Our New Jersey location represents clients facing federal charges in Hudson County and throughout the state. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike, Route 1/9, and the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels.

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) 334-7467
By appointment only.

We serve clients in Jersey City, Hoboken, North Bergen, Union City, West New York, Secaucus, Bayonne, Kearny, Harrison, Weehawken, and Guttenberg.

24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.

Frequently Asked Questions: Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US

What does “obligations or securities of the United States” mean?

It includes U.S. currency (bills, coins), Treasury bonds, stamps, postal money orders, and any other instrument issued under U.S. authority that has monetary value. Counterfeiting any of these items violates 18 U.S.C. § 471.

Is possessing counterfeit money a crime even if I didn’t make it?

Yes. Possessing counterfeit obligations with intent to defraud is a separate crime under 18 U.S.C. § 472. Merely possessing it, knowing it is fake, can lead to charges, especially if you attempt to use it.

What agency investigates counterfeiting charges?

The U.S. Secret Service has primary jurisdiction. They often work with the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and local police. Investigations can be lengthy and involve surveillance, financial records analysis, and undercover operations.

What are the defenses to a counterfeiting charge?

Defenses include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, entrapment, challenging the authenticity of the evidence, and suppressing evidence obtained through an illegal search or seizure. A skilled counterfeiting charge lawyer Hudson County will identify the best defense based on the facts.

Can I get a plea deal in a federal counterfeiting case?

It depends. Most federal cases are resolved by plea agreement. A lawyer can negotiate for a reduced charge, a lower sentencing guideline range, or a recommendation for a sentence below the guidelines in exchange for a guilty plea, often requiring cooperation.

Where will my case be heard if I’m charged in Hudson County?

Federal charges for Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US originating in Hudson County are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, typically at the Newark courthouse located at 50 Walnut Street.

Related Legal Resources

New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Federal Criminal Lawyer Bergen County
Hudson County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Last verified: April 2026. The information on this page is based on federal statutes and procedural norms. Federal law and prosecution strategies can change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current, case-specific legal guidance regarding Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US lawyer Hudson County matters.