Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in Middlesex 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. A conviction can lead to decades in federal prison, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Federal Law on Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations or Securities
Federal law aggressively protects the integrity of U.S. currency and financial instruments. The primary statute is 18 U.S.C. § 471, which makes it a crime to falsely make, forge, counterfeit, or alter any obligation or security of the United States with intent to defraud. This includes not only paper currency but also treasury bonds, notes, bills, and other government securities.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | Federal statutes are maintained by the U.S. Government.
The statute is broad and covers various acts in the counterfeiting process. “Falsely making” refers to creating a counterfeit item from scratch. “Forging” involves falsely signing or executing a document. “Counterfeiting” means imitating a genuine item to pass it as real. “Altering” means changing a genuine item, like its denomination. The government must prove you acted with an “intent to defraud,” meaning you intended to deceive someone for financial gain.
Official Legal Resources
- 18 U.S.C. § 471 – Counterfeiting and Forgery (official U.S. Code)
- U.S. District Court – District of New Jersey (official court website)
Defending a Counterfeiting Charge in Middlesex County
Federal counterfeiting cases in New Jersey are typically investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, or Homeland Security Investigations. The case will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and heard in federal court in Newark, Trenton, or Camden. The process is demanding and moves quickly after an indictment.
- Initial Investigation & Contact: You may be contacted by federal agents. Do not speak to them without your lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury. If they indict, you will be formally charged and arraigned in federal court.
- Pretrial Motions & Discovery: Your lawyer will file motions to challenge evidence and obtain all the government’s evidence against you.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases end in a plea agreement. Your lawyer will negotiate for a favorable outcome. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the court will determine your sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Potential Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting
In the U.S. District Court for New Jersey, a conviction for counterfeiting U.S. obligations or securities under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and 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) / $500,000 (organization) | Forfeiture of assets, permanent federal record, loss of certain civil rights. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Federal Defense
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 every case. We understand the high stakes of federal court and the specific strategies needed to defend against financial crimes like counterfeiting. We approach each case with a focus on the details of the evidence and the specific circumstances of our client.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in contested cases. While we cannot aim for any specific result, our approach is thorough and client-focused. We have successfully defended clients against serious federal charges by challenging evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting strong cases at trial when necessary.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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) 337-5500
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Middlesex County, including New Brunswick, Edison, Woodbridge, Old Bridge, and Piscataway. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. If you need a counterfeiting charge lawyer Middlesex County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “obligations or securities of the United States” include?
It includes U.S. currency (bills, coins), Treasury bonds, notes, bills, certificates of indebtedness, and stamps. Essentially, any financial instrument issued by or under the authority of the U.S. government.
Can I be charged if I only possessed counterfeit money but didn’t make it?
Yes. Possessing counterfeit U.S. currency with intent to defraud is a separate crime under 18 U.S.C. § 472. Merely possessing it without knowledge it is fake is a defense, but the government often argues circumstantial evidence shows intent.
What is the difference between state and federal counterfeiting charges?
Counterfeiting U.S. currency is exclusively a federal crime. State charges may apply to forging checks, deeds, or other non-federal documents. A counterfeit currency defense lawyer Middlesex County must be admitted to federal court to handle a U.S. Code § 471 case.
What are common defenses to a counterfeiting charge?
Defenses include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, entrapment, challenging the authenticity of the evidence, and arguing that the items are not “obligations or securities of the United States” as defined by law.
What should I do if federal agents want to question me?
Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with your attorney. Contact a lawyer as early as possible. Do not consent to any searches. Speaking to agents without counsel is extremely risky.
Related Legal Resources
- New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Federal Criminal Lawyer Bergen County
- Middlesex County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding the counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US in Middlesex County.
Middlesex 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 Middlesex County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Middlesex County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Middlesex Vicinage (6th Vicinage), 56 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, telephone (732) 981-3000, 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 N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 (aggravated sexual assault) within the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Middlesex 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: Middlesex County NJ lawyers directory.