Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in Arlington, Virginia
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 Eastern District of Virginia. If convicted, you face up to 20 years in federal prison per count. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | Virginia General Assembly
Federal Statute on Counterfeiting U.S. Securities
The federal crime of Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the United States is defined under Title 18, United States Code, Section 471. 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, stamps, and other government securities. The law is enforced by federal agencies like the U.S. Secret Service and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, which covers Arlington.
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, providing a unique advantage in complex financial cases like counterfeiting.
Official Legal Resources
- 18 U.S.C. § 471 – Counterfeiting and Forgery (official U.S. Code)
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (official court website)
Defending Against Federal Counterfeiting Charges in Arlington
Federal counterfeiting investigations in Arlington often involve the Secret Service and can be lengthy. A key local procedural fact is that these cases are heard at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Alexandria, not in Arlington County courts. The prosecution must prove you acted with intent to defraud. For a sub-topic like counterfeiting securities, the defense often hinges on challenging the evidence of intent and the authenticity of the alleged counterfeit items. Our defense strategy involves meticulous review of the government’s evidence, including forensic analysis and experienced testimony.
- Initial federal arrest or receipt of a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
- Initial appearance and arraignment before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Alexandria.
- Engage in extensive discovery, reviewing all evidence the government plans to use.
- File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or challenge the indictment.
- Negotiate with prosecutors for a potential plea agreement or prepare for trial.
- Proceed to a jury trial in U.S. District Court if no acceptable resolution is reached.
Potential Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting
In Arlington, a conviction for Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the U.S. under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and significant fines for each count.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations/Securities (18 U.S.C. § 471) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years per count | Up to $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Forfeiture of assets, permanent criminal record, loss of professional licenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our criminal court lawyer, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which is particularly valuable for dissecting complex financial evidence in counterfeiting cases. We understand the high stakes of federal court and the severe penalties involved.
Case Results in Federal Defense
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in complex cases. While specific results for counterfeiting charges in Arlington are part of our confidential case records, our approach is thorough and aggressive. We work with forensic experts to challenge the government’s evidence. For example, Of Counsel attorney Matthew Greene brings over 30 years of experience, including former death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, demonstrating his capability in high-stakes litigation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location — 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Our Arlington location serves clients at federal court in Alexandria. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Federal Counterfeiting Defense FAQs
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 security issued under U.S. authority. Counterfeiting any of these items with intent to defraud violates 18 U.S.C. § 471.
What is the penalty for counterfeiting US currency in Virginia?
Yes. Counterfeiting U.S. currency is a federal felony under 18 U.S.C. § 471, punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000 per count. Your case would be prosecuted in U.S. District Court, not state court.
Who investigates counterfeiting charges?
The U.S. Secret Service is the primary federal agency investigating counterfeiting of U.S. currency and securities. Other agencies like the FBI or Homeland Security Investigations may also be involved.
What should I do if I’m under federal investigation for counterfeiting?
Immediately contact a federal criminal defense lawyer. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. A lawyer can advise you on your rights and begin building your defense against the criminal charges.
Can I get a plea deal in a federal counterfeiting case?
It depends. The U.S. Attorney’s Office may offer a plea agreement, but the terms depend on the evidence, your history, and the strength of the defense. An experienced defense lawyer is essential to negotiate effectively.
Internal Links: For more on federal defense, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Lawyer hub. For related charges in Arlington, consider our Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer or Arlington Business Lawyer pages.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
If your case reaches beyond Arlington County, our page on counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US charges across Virginia sets out what to look for at each stage.