Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer Cumberland County, NJ
Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US 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 Cumberland County, you need a defense lawyer with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Federal Statute on Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US
The federal crime of counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the United States is defined under 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, bonds, treasury notes, 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 up to 20 years in federal prison and substantial fines.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | 18 U.S.C. § 471
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal counterfeiting statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 471 (U.S. Code). 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.
Federal Counterfeiting Defense Process in Cumberland County
Federal counterfeiting cases in Cumberland County typically originate from investigations by the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, or Homeland Security Investigations. These agencies work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark or Camden. The process is demanding and moves through the federal system, not state courts. A strong defense requires immediate action during the investigation phase to protect your rights and challenge the government’s evidence before an indictment is secured.
- Initial Investigation & Contact: You may be contacted by federal agents. Do not speak to them without your lawyer present. Your attorney will make contact with the Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) handling the case.
- Grand Jury & Indictment: The prosecutor presents evidence to a federal grand jury. If indicted, you will be arraigned in U.S. District Court.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: Your lawyer will review all evidence (discovery) and file pre-trial motions to challenge the admissibility of evidence or seek dismissal.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases are resolved by 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 strict and offer no parole.
Potential Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting
In federal court, counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US under 18 U.S.C. § 471 is a felony with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US (18 U.S.C. § 471) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Forfeiture of assets, supervised release after prison, permanent criminal record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Federal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to federal cases, including those involving counterfeit currency and securities. We understand the high stakes of federal court and the need for a detailed, aggressive defense strategy from the earliest stages of an investigation.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm-wide record includes 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 Cumberland County are not listed here, our attorneys have extensive experience defending clients in federal courts. We approach each case with the goal of achieving a favorable resolution, whether through pre-trial negotiation, dismissal of charges, or defense at trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Cumberland County, NJ
Our New Jersey location represents clients facing federal charges in Cumberland County and throughout the state. We serve clients in Bridgeton, Vineland, Millville, Upper Deerfield, Commercial Township, and Greenwich.
24/7 Phone Consultations — (888) 437-7747 — Meetings By Appointment Only.
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.
FAQs: Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US in Cumberland County
What does “counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US” mean?
It is a federal crime defined in 18 U.S.C. § 471. It involves falsely creating or altering U.S. government financial instruments like currency, bonds, or treasury notes with intent to defraud.
What agency investigates counterfeit currency in New Jersey?
The U.S. Secret Service has primary jurisdiction for investigating counterfeit U.S. currency. The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) may also be involved, especially in or organized operations.
What should I do if I’m contacted by federal agents about counterfeiting?
Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with a lawyer. Contact a federal criminal defense attorney as early as possible. Speaking without counsel can severely harm your case.
Can I get a plea deal in a federal counterfeiting case?
Yes, most federal cases are resolved by plea agreement. An experienced counterfeit currency defense lawyer Cumberland County residents can trust will negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seek a reduction in charges or a favorable sentencing recommendation.
What is the best defense against a counterfeiting charge?
Defenses vary but may include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, challenging the authenticity of the evidence, or asserting that your actions did not meet the legal definition of counterfeiting. A skilled counterfeiting charge lawyer Cumberland County relies on can evaluate the specific facts of your case.
Where are federal counterfeiting cases for Cumberland County heard?
These cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The closest divisional courthouses are in Camden or Newark, depending on where the case is filed.
Related Legal Services in Cumberland County
If you are facing other federal charges, our firm also handles federal criminal defense for fraud, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses. For state-level financial crimes, see our Cumberland County criminal defense page. For all federal defense matters in New Jersey, visit our New Jersey federal criminal lawyer hub.
Page last verified: 2026-04. The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.
Cumberland County cases follow the same route as the rest of the state, and our page on counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US cases in New Jersey explains each stage.
Your case in Cumberland 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 Cumberland County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Cumberland Vicinage (15th Vicinage), Broad & Fayette Streets, Bridgeton, NJ 08302, telephone (856) 453-4300, 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 Cumberland 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: Cumberland 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.