Counterfeiting Of Obligations Or Securities Of The US Lawyer in Northampton, Virginia
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 Eastern District of Virginia. If convicted, you face up to 20 years in federal prison and substantial fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | Virginia General Assembly
Federal Counterfeiting Law and Defenses
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. “Obligations” include currency (bills and coins), while “securities” encompass treasury notes, bonds, and other government financial instruments. The law is aggressively enforced by federal agencies like the U.S. Secret Service. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the gravity of these charges and the need for an immediate, strategic response from a skilled criminal attorney.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 471 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local federal court procedures, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
- Secure immediate legal representation after arrest or upon learning of an investigation.
- Your attorney will review all evidence, including the alleged counterfeit items and any surveillance or financial records.
- A defense strategy is developed, which may involve challenging the intent element, the authenticity of the evidence, or negotiating a plea to a lesser charge.
- Your case will proceed through federal arraignment, pre-trial motions, and potentially trial in U.S. District Court.
Potential Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting
In Northampton County and across the Eastern District of Virginia, a conviction for counterfeiting U.S. obligations or securities under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carries severe federal penalties with no parole.
| 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) | Forfeiture of assets, permanent criminal record, loss of federal benefits. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Federal Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our defense team includes attorneys with specific experience in federal court procedures and complex financial crimes. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally oversees complex federal matters. For cases involving counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Northampton Virginia residents need, our collaborative approach is key. Of Counsel attorney Matthew Greene brings over 30 years of experience, including former death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing deep insight into high-stakes litigation.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in criminal cases. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, we have 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We apply this extensive experience to every federal counterfeiting case.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves Northampton County and surrounding communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only. If you need a defense lawyer for federal counterfeiting charges, contact us for a confidential case review.
FAQs: Federal Counterfeiting Charges in Virginia
What does “counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the United States” mean?
It is the federal crime of falsely creating or altering U.S. currency, treasury bonds, or other government financial instruments with intent to defraud, under 18 U.S.C. § 471.
What are the penalties for a federal counterfeiting conviction?
Conviction can result in up to 20 years in federal prison, fines up to $250,000 for individuals, and mandatory asset forfeiture. There is no parole in the federal system.
Why do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer for these charges?
A specialized criminal court lawyer is essential because federal procedures, sentencing guidelines, and prosecutorial resources differ vastly from state courts. An experienced attorney can handle the complex federal process.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know the money was counterfeit?
It depends. The prosecution must prove you intended to defraud. Knowledge is a key element. A lack of knowledge can be a central part of your criminal charges defense.
What should I do if I’m under investigation for counterfeiting?
Do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Immediately contact a defense lawyer experienced in federal financial crimes to protect your rights and begin building your defense strategy.
For more information on federal criminal defense, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Fairfax County. For other legal needs in Northampton, consider our Northampton Traffic Lawyer services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Northampton Virginia residents trust.