Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in Camden County, NJ
Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the United States is a 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 severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines.
Federal Law on Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations or Securities
Federal law aggressively prosecutes the creation or alteration of U.S. government financial instruments. The primary statute is 18 U.S.C. § 471, which makes it a crime to falsely make, forge, counterfeit, or alter any obligation or security of the United States with intent to defraud. This includes U.S. currency, Treasury bonds, stamps, and other government securities.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | Federal statutes are codified by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel.
The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in dissecting complex financial evidence in cases like counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US.
Official Legal Resources
For the full 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.
Defense Strategy for Counterfeiting Charges in Camden County
Defending against a counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US charge requires a detailed, evidence-focused approach. In the Camden vicinage of the District of New Jersey, cases are often investigated by the U.S. Secret Service or Homeland Security Investigations. A strong defense challenges the prosecution’s evidence on intent, knowledge, and the authenticity of the alleged counterfeit items.
- Initial Investigation & Contact: If you suspect you are under investigation, contact a federal defense attorney immediately. Do not speak to agents without counsel.
- Grand Jury Proceedings: A federal grand jury in Newark or Camden will review evidence to issue an indictment.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: You will be formally charged and a judge will determine if you will be released pending trial.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence, including forensic reports on the alleged counterfeit items, and file motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Based on the evidence, your attorney will advise on whether to negotiate a plea or proceed to a jury trial in federal court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which are severe for counterfeiting offenses.
Potential Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting
In Camden 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, fines up to $250,000 for individuals, and mandatory restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations (18 U.S.C. § 471) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Restitution, forfeiture of assets, permanent criminal record, loss of certain civil rights. |
| Possessing Counterfeit Plates (18 U.S.C. § 474) | Federal Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Same as above, with enhanced penalties for possession of plates or tools. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Federal Financial Crimes
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to complex federal cases. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which is directly applicable to forensic financial investigations. We approach each counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US case with a meticulous review of the government’s evidence, focusing on the specific intent and knowledge elements required for conviction.
Case Results in Federal Defense
While specific results for counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US in Camden County are not disclosed, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our federal defense team is skilled at negotiating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and preparing assertive trial defenses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Camden County, NJ
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.
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Camden County. We are accessible via I-195, the Garden State Parkway, and NJ Turnpike. We provide representation for individuals in Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Voorhees, and surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747; all meetings are by appointment only.
FAQs: Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US in Camden County
What does “obligations or securities of the United States” mean?
It refers to U.S. currency, Treasury bonds, stamps, postal money orders, and any other financial instrument issued by the U.S. government. Counterfeiting any of these items is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 471.
What agency investigates counterfeiting charges?
The U.S. Secret Service has primary jurisdiction for investigating counterfeit currency and securities. Other agencies like Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) or the FBI may also be involved, especially in complex or organized operations.
Is possessing counterfeit money a crime?
Yes. Possessing counterfeit U.S. currency with intent to defraud is a separate federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 472. Merely possessing it, even without passing it, can lead to charges if intent can be proven.
What are the defenses to a counterfeiting charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, lack of knowledge that the items were counterfeit, mistaken identity, and challenging the authenticity of the evidence. A counterfeit currency defense lawyer Camden County can evaluate the specific facts of your case.
Why do I need a federal lawyer and not a state lawyer?
Counterfeiting U.S. obligations is exclusively a federal crime prosecuted in U.S. District Court under federal rules and sentencing guidelines. An attorney experienced in the federal system is essential for handling its unique procedures and negotiating with federal prosecutors.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing federal charges, it is important to understand the full scope of the legal process. You may also find our pages on Federal Criminal Lawyer Bergen County and Federal Criminal Lawyer Burlington County useful. For an overview of our federal practice, visit our New Jersey Federal Criminal Lawyer hub page. For other legal issues in Camden County, consider Business Lawyer Camden County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. The information on this page is based on federal statutes and procedural norms. Laws and procedures can change. For current, case-specific advice, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.