Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in Cape May 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. If you are under investigation or charged in Cape May County, you need a lawyer with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | 18 U.S.C. § 471
Federal Counterfeiting Law in New Jersey
The federal crime of counterfeiting obligations or securities of the United States is defined in Title 18, Section 471 of the U.S. Code. 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 District of New Jersey. Conviction carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines.
Official Legal Resources
- 18 U.S.C. § 471 – Counterfeiting and Forgery (Official U.S. Code via Cornell Law)
- U.S. District Court – District of New Jersey (Official Court Website)
Defending Counterfeiting Charges in Cape May County
Federal counterfeiting cases often begin with an investigation by the Secret Service or Homeland Security Investigations. For residents of Cape May County, cases are typically heard in the Camden or Newark divisions of the U.S. District Court. The process is demanding, involving grand jury indictments, strict discovery rules, and federal sentencing guidelines. A strong defense requires challenging the evidence of intent to defraud and the authenticity of the alleged counterfeit items. Early intervention by a counterfeiting charge lawyer Cape May County is critical to protect your rights during the investigation phase.
- If contacted by federal agents, immediately assert your right to remain silent and request an attorney.
- Your lawyer will conduct a thorough review of the investigation and any evidence, such as seized materials or financial records.
- A defense strategy is built, which may involve filing pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or challenge the indictment.
- Your attorney will engage in plea negotiations with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, if appropriate, to seek a reduction in charges.
- If the case proceeds to trial, your lawyer will present a defense focused on intent, knowledge, and the validity of the evidence.
- At sentencing, your attorney will advocate for a sentence below the federal guidelines, presenting mitigating factors.
Potential Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting
In federal court, counterfeiting U.S. obligations or securities under 18 U.S.C. § 471 is a felony with a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations or 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 guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience with Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm handles federal criminal matters, including counterfeiting charges. We understand the high stakes of federal court and the specific procedures of the District of New Jersey. We approach each case with a detailed strategy aimed at protecting your freedom and future.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results for Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US lawyer Cape May County cases are confidential, our firm-wide track record demonstrates our commitment to vigorous defense. SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We apply this extensive litigation experience to every federal case we take.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Federal Defense Team
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) 455-9120
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Cape May County, including Cape May Court House, Wildwood, and Ocean City. We offer 24/7 phone consultations. Facing federal charges requires immediate action—contact a counterfeit currency defense lawyer Cape May County today.
Federal Counterfeiting Charges FAQ
What does “obligations or securities of the United States” mean?
It includes U.S. currency (bills, coins), Treasury bonds, stamps, and any other security issued under U.S. authority. Counterfeiting any of these items is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 471.
Who investigates counterfeiting charges?
The U.S. Secret Service has primary jurisdiction, but other agencies like Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) or the FBI may also be involved in contested cases.
What is the first step if I’m under investigation?
Do not speak to investigators. Promptly contact a federal criminal defense attorney. Your lawyer can communicate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and protect your rights from the outset.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know the money was fake?
It depends. The prosecution must prove you had the intent to defraud. Lack of knowledge is a common defense. An attorney will examine the evidence to see if the government can meet this burden.
Where will my case be heard if I live in Cape May County?
Federal cases from Cape May County are typically prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, likely in the Camden division.
What are the possible defenses to counterfeiting charges?
Defenses can include lack of intent, mistaken identity, entrapment, or challenging the authenticity of the evidence. A lawyer will analyze the specifics of your case to identify the strongest defense.
Other Legal Services in Cape May County
If you need assistance with other matters, our firm also handles Cape May County criminal defense for state charges. For broader federal issues, visit our New Jersey federal criminal lawyer hub page.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Federal laws and procedures can change. For the most current advice regarding a counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. directly at (888) 437-7747.
Cape May County is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer New Jersey covers the process from start to finish.
Your case in Cape May County, New Jersey
Federal charges are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark, Trenton and Camden), not in county court; related state charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Cape May County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Cape May Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 9 North Main Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, telephone (609) 463-6550, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is Title 18 of the United States Code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Cape May County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Cape May County NJ lawyers directory · Counterfeiting of Obligations or Lawyer Bergen County · Counterfeiting of Obligations or Lawyer Hudson County · Counterfeiting of Obligations or Lawyer Monmouth County.