Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in Passaic 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, you need a lawyer with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Federal Law on Counterfeiting U.S. Securities
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | Federal Criminal Code
The federal crime of counterfeiting obligations or securities of the United States is defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 471. 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, Treasury bonds, stamps, and other government instruments. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, defends clients in complex federal cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 471 (Counterfeiting and Forgery). For information on the federal court handling these cases, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
Defense Strategy for Passaic County Federal Cases
Federal counterfeiting cases often involve investigations by the U.S. Secret Service or FBI. A key local procedural fact is that these cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, which has divisions in Newark and Camden. The federal court follows strict procedures under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. An experienced counterfeiting charge lawyer Passaic County can challenge the evidence, question the intent to defraud, and negotiate with federal prosecutors.
- Initial federal investigation or grand jury subpoena is issued.
- Arrest or indictment on charges under 18 U.S.C. § 471.
- Initial appearance and detention hearing in U.S. District Court.
- Extensive discovery review of government evidence.
- Pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea negotiations or preparation for trial.
Potential Federal Penalties
In federal court, counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and significant 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) | Forfeiture of assets, supervised release, permanent criminal record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Federal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to federal cases. We approach each case with a detailed strategy, understanding that federal charges require a specific defense approach different from state court.
Case Results
While specific results for counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Passaic County cases are not listed, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across our practice areas.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Federal Criminal Defense Near Passaic County
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Passaic County facing federal charges. We are accessible via I-80, Route 46, and other major highways. If you need a counterfeit currency defense lawyer Passaic County or representation for related federal charges, contact us for a consultation.
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.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve communities including Paterson, Clifton, Wayne, and Passaic City.
Federal Counterfeiting Charges FAQ
What does “obligations or securities of the United States” mean?
It includes U.S. currency, Treasury bonds, bills, notes, stamps, and other instruments issued under U.S. authority. Counterfeiting any of these items violates 18 U.S.C. § 471.
Is counterfeiting a state or federal crime?
It is primarily a federal crime. Cases are investigated by federal agencies like the Secret Service and prosecuted in U.S. District Court, not Passaic County Superior Court.
What is the best defense against a counterfeiting charge?
It depends on the evidence. Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, challenging the authenticity of the evidence, or asserting that the items were not genuine U.S. obligations. An experienced lawyer will review all discovery.
Can I get probation for a federal counterfeiting charge?
It is possible but challenging. Federal sentencing guidelines are strict. Outcomes depend on your criminal history, the amount involved, and the effectiveness of your legal representation. A skilled attorney can argue for a mitigated sentence.
Who investigates counterfeiting cases in New Jersey?
The U.S. Secret Service has primary jurisdiction, often working with the FBI or Homeland Security Investigations. The case is then presented to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey for prosecution.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing federal charges, you may also want to learn about federal criminal defense in New Jersey. For charges in nearby areas, see our pages for federal criminal lawyer Bergen County and federal criminal lawyer Morris County. For other legal needs in Passaic County, we also handle state criminal defense and DUI defense.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.