Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer Fluvanna County — Federal Defense
Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the United States is a serious federal felony under 18 U.S. Code § 471, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. If you are under investigation in Fluvanna County for possessing or passing counterfeit currency or securities, securing a skilled defense lawyer is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate representation to protect your rights and future.
Federal Law on Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations or Securities
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia | United States Code.
The federal statute, 18 U.S. Code § 471, makes it a crime to falsely make, forge, counterfeit, or alter any obligation or security of the United States with intent to defraud. This law covers not only paper currency but also a wide range of government instruments, including Treasury bonds, notes, bills, and certificates. The statute is intentionally broad to protect the integrity of U.S. financial instruments. Prosecution for this offense is handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, not local Fluvanna County authorities, and cases are tried in federal court.
Official Legal Resources
For the exact language of the federal statute, you can review 18 U.S. Code § 471 (Counterfeiting and Forgery). For procedures and local rules in the relevant federal court, visit the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia website.
Defending Counterfeiting Charges in Fluvanna County
Federal investigations into counterfeiting often involve agencies like the U.S. Secret Service. A key local procedural fact is that while the investigation may originate in Fluvanna County, any federal indictment and trial will occur in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, which has jurisdiction over the area. The federal process moves quickly, and early intervention by a defense attorney familiar with federal procedure is essential to challenge the government’s evidence before an indictment is secured.
- Initial Investigation & Contact: If you suspect you are under investigation or have been contacted by federal agents, do not speak to them without an attorney. Contact our firm immediately.
- Pre-Indictment Strategy: We will communicate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to present mitigating facts, challenge the evidence, and seek to avoid formal charges.
- Arraignment & Plea: If indicted, you will be arraigned in federal court. We will advise you on pleading not guilty and moving to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: We will scrutinize all government evidence, file motions to dismiss or suppress, and work with forensic experts if necessary.
- Trial or Negotiation: We prepare every case for trial to use the best possible plea agreement, which may involve reduced charges or seeking a sentence below federal guidelines.
- Sentencing: If convicted, we advocate vigorously at sentencing, presenting evidence to argue for the most lenient sentence under the circumstances.
Potential Penalties for Counterfeiting
In federal court, a conviction for counterfeiting obligations or securities of the United States carries severe mandatory penalties that include lengthy prison terms and substantial fines.
| 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 | Forfeiture of assets, permanent criminal record, loss of certain civil rights. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We understand the high stakes of federal charges and the aggressive tactics of federal prosecutors. Our approach is built on thorough investigation, strategic motion practice, and relentless advocacy, whether at the negotiation table or at trial.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes in complex criminal cases. While every case is unique, our focused defense strategies aim for dismissals, charge reductions, and acquittals. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
In federal cases, our secondary attorney, Kristen Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney, applies her prosecutorial insight to anticipate and counter the government’s strategy, strengthening our defense team’s approach.
Fluvanna County Federal Crime Defense Lawyer
If you need a counterfeit currency defense lawyer Fluvanna County residents trust for federal court, contact us. We provide 24/7 phone consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
Meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “obligations or securities of the United States” include?
It includes U.S. currency, Treasury bonds, notes, bills, certificates of deposit, and any other government-issued financial instrument. The law is designed to protect the entire U.S. financial system from fraud.
I didn’t make the counterfeit money, I just had it. Can I still be charged?
Yes. You can be charged under related statutes like 18 U.S. Code § 472 for possessing counterfeit currency with intent to defraud. The government must prove you knew the money was fake and intended to use it to deceive someone. A skilled counterfeiting charge lawyer Fluvanna County can challenge the evidence of your knowledge and intent.
Are state and federal counterfeiting laws different?
Yes. Virginia has its own laws against forgery and counterfeiting (e.g., Va. Code § 18.2-170), but producing or altering U.S. currency is exclusively a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 471. You would be prosecuted in federal court by the U.S. Department of Justice.
What should I do if a Secret Service agent wants to talk to me?
Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with an attorney. Do not consent to any searches. Then, call a defense lawyer immediately. Anything you say can be used against you in a federal prosecution.
What are the possible defenses to a counterfeiting charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, insufficient evidence linking you to the counterfeit items, unlawful search and seizure violating the Fourth Amendment, and entrapment. An attorney will analyze the specifics of your case to identify the strongest defense strategy.
If you want to see how a Fluvanna County case fits into the wider process, our page on counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.