Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer Augusta County — Federal Defense
Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the United States is a serious federal felony under 18 U.S.C. § 471, prosecuted in the Western District of Virginia. If you are under investigation or charged in Augusta County, you need a lawyer with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for charges involving counterfeit currency, bonds, or securities. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Federal Counterfeiting Law and Statute
Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the United States is defined under Title 18, United States Code, Section 471. This statute 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, 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 Western District of Virginia, which has jurisdiction over Augusta County.
Last verified: March 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia | Federal criminal code.
Official Government Resources
For the official text of the federal counterfeiting statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 471 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on the federal court serving Augusta County, visit the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia website.
Local Federal Court Process in Augusta County
Federal counterfeiting cases for Augusta County residents are handled in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, typically at the Harrisonburg or Roanoke divisional offices. The process is distinct from state court. Investigations are led by federal agents, and cases proceed under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. A strong defense requires understanding federal sentencing guidelines and pre-trial motion practice.
- Initial Investigation & Contact: You may be contacted by federal agents (e.g., Secret Service, FBI). It is crucial not to speak with them without an attorney present.
- Indictment & Arraignment: A federal grand jury issues an indictment. You will be arraigned in federal court, where charges are formally read.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to challenge evidence and obtain discovery from the prosecution.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases are resolved by plea agreement. If a plea cannot be reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which consider the face value of counterfeit items and your criminal history.
Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting
In federal court, 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 significant 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) | Forfeiture of assets, permanent criminal record, loss of certain civil rights. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to complex federal cases like counterfeiting charges. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney, personally leads on complex federal criminal defense matters, bringing strategic insight to cases in the Western District of Virginia.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in complex cases. While specific results for counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US in Augusta County are not listed here, our approach is built on thorough investigation, challenging the government’s evidence, and exploring all procedural defenses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Augusta County Federal Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location — 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients facing federal charges in Augusta County and the surrounding Western District. We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. We provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. We serve communities including Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, and Stuarts Draft. If you need a counterfeit currency defense lawyer Augusta County or a counterfeiting charge lawyer Augusta County, contact us immediately.
FAQs: Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities Defense
What does “obligations or securities of the United States” mean?
It includes U.S. currency (bills, coins), Treasury bonds, stamps, and other financial instruments issued by the U.S. government. Counterfeiting any of these items violates 18 U.S.C. § 471.
Who investigates counterfeiting charges?
The U.S. Secret Service has primary jurisdiction for investigating counterfeit currency and securities. Other agencies like the FBI or IRS may be involved depending on the case specifics.
What are common defenses to a counterfeiting charge?
Defenses can include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, challenging the authenticity of the evidence, or asserting that the items were not obligations of the United States. An attorney can evaluate the best strategy.
Is possession of counterfeit money a crime?
Yes. Possessing counterfeit obligations with the intent to defraud is a separate crime under 18 U.S.C. § 472, carrying similar severe penalties as the counterfeiting itself.
What should I do if I’m contacted by the Secret Service?
Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with an attorney. Then, immediately contact a federal criminal defense lawyer. Do not attempt to explain or justify anything without counsel.
Can I be charged in both state and federal court?
It is possible under dual sovereignty doctrine, but typically counterfeiting of U.S. obligations is prosecuted exclusively in federal court due to the nature of the crime and federal jurisdiction.
Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer | Albemarle County Federal Criminal Lawyer | Augusta County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Page last verified: 2026-04. Federal laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for the most current legal guidance regarding counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US in Augusta County.