Hanover County Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US is a serious federal felony under 18 U.S.C. § 471, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. In Hanover County, these cases are prosecuted in federal court, requiring a defense lawyer with specific federal experience. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
What Is Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US?
The federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 471 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 law is the primary statute governing the counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Hanover County cases address. “Obligations” include currency (paper money and coins), while “securities” encompass a broader range of financial instruments like Treasury bonds, notes, bills, and certificates of deposit issued under US authority.
Last verified: April 2026 | US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the exact language of the federal law, you can review 18 U.S.C. § 471 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local federal court procedures in the Richmond area, which includes Hanover County, visit the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
The Federal Counterfeiting Process in Hanover County
Cases involving the counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Hanover County residents need are initiated by federal agencies like the Secret Service. A key local procedural fact is that all federal felony charges for Hanover County are filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division. The process is distinct from state court, with different rules, sentencing guidelines, and potential for federal prison time.
- Federal Investigation: The US Secret Service or another federal agency conducts an investigation, which may involve surveillance, undercover operations, and forensic analysis of alleged counterfeit items.
- Indictment: A federal grand jury reviews evidence and issues an indictment, formally charging you with violating 18 U.S.C. § 471.
- Arraignment: You appear in US District Court to hear the charges, enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest), and address bail conditions.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your defense lawyer files motions to challenge evidence and negotiates with federal prosecutors. This phase involves extensive review of the government’s case.
- Trial or Plea: The case proceeds to a federal jury trial or is resolved through a plea agreement, which must be approved by the federal judge.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which consider the amount and sophistication of the counterfeit operation.
Potential Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting
In Hanover County, a federal conviction for counterfeiting US obligations or securities under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, significant fines, and mandatory restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counterfeiting US Obligations/Securities (18 U.S.C. § 471) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Restitution, forfeiture of assets, permanent criminal record, loss of certain civil rights. |
| Possessing Counterfeit Currency (18 U.S.C. § 472) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | Similar severe penalties as manufacturing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Defense
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to complex federal cases. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high-stakes nature of federal court and the specific strategies needed to challenge Secret Service investigations and forensic evidence.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our approach to defending against charges of counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Hanover County clients trust involves scrutinizing the intent to defraud, challenging the authenticity of evidence, and negotiating for reduced charges when possible. In federal cases, secondary attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including death penalty certification, contributes deep knowledge of federal criminal procedure and sentencing guidelines.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Hanover County Federal Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves Hanover County and is accessible via I-95 and I-64. We are a trusted counterfeiting charge lawyer Hanover County resource for federal court. If you need a counterfeit currency defense lawyer Hanover County relies on, contact us 24/7.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804) 201-9009
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between counterfeiting currency and securities?
Yes, there is a difference. Currency refers to paper money and coins intended for circulation. Securities under this law are financial instruments like government bonds or Treasury notes. Both are “obligations” of the US and are covered by 18 U.S.C. § 471, but the type of item counterfeited can affect the specifics of the charge and evidence.
Can I be charged if I only possessed counterfeit money but didn’t make it?
Yes. Under 18 U.S.C. § 472, possessing counterfeit US currency with intent to defraud is a separate felony punishable by up to 20 years. The prosecution must prove you knew the money was fake and intended to use it to deceive someone.
What are common defenses to federal counterfeiting charges?
It depends on the facts. Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud (you didn’t know the items were counterfeit), mistaken identity, entrapment by law enforcement, or challenging the authenticity of the evidence. A lawyer must review forensic reports and the investigation’s methods to build a defense.
Will my case be in state or federal court in Hanover County?
Counterfeiting US obligations is exclusively a federal crime. Your case will be in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division. State courts do not have jurisdiction over this specific federal offense.
What should I do if I’m under investigation for counterfeiting?
Do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a federal defense lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you. A lawyer can advise you on your rights and intervene with investigators on your behalf.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Hanover County is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Virginia covers the process from start to finish.