Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in Wicomico County, MD
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 Maryland. If you are under investigation or charged in Wicomico County, you need a lawyer experienced in federal court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Federal Law on Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations or Securities
Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the United States is a federal crime defined in Title 18, Section 471 of the U.S. Code. The 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, notes, and other government securities.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | Maryland General Assembly
The federal government, through agencies like the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI, aggressively investigates and prosecutes these cases. A conviction carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. Defending against such charges requires a lawyer who understands federal procedure, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and how to challenge the government’s evidence of intent and possession.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 471 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on the federal court handling these cases, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland website.
Defense Strategy for Counterfeiting Charges in Wicomico County
Federal counterfeiting cases often involve complex evidence, including forensic analysis of materials and digital records. In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, which has jurisdiction over Wicomico County, a strong defense may challenge the intent to defraud, the authenticity of the evidence, or the legality of the search and seizure. The prosecution must prove you knowingly and intentionally engaged in counterfeiting.
- Initial Investigation & Contact: If you suspect you are under investigation by a federal agency, contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. Do not speak to agents without an attorney present.
- Grand Jury & Indictment: The government presents evidence to a federal grand jury. If indicted, you will be arraigned in U.S. District Court.
- Pretrial Motions & Discovery: Your lawyer will file motions, review all discovery evidence from the prosecution, and identify weaknesses in the government’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Based on the evidence, your lawyer will advise on the strategy of negotiating a plea agreement or proceeding to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the face value of counterfeit items and your criminal history.
Potential Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting
In the federal system, Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carries a maximum penalty of up to 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) | Forfeiture of assets, supervised release after prison, permanent federal criminal record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex federal cases. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally leads on intricate federal criminal defense matters, including those involving financial crimes like counterfeiting. We understand the high stakes of a federal indictment and work to protect your rights and future from the initial investigation through trial or resolution.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. While specific results for counterfeiting charges in Wicomico County are not listed here, our team’s extensive federal court experience forms the basis of our defense strategy. Mr. Sris collaborates with experienced attorneys like Kristen Fisher to provide a multi-layered defense for every client.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Wicomico County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Rockville/MD Location — Montgomery County area (by appointment)
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040
By appointment only.
Our Maryland office represents clients in federal cases originating in Wicomico County, including Salisbury, Fruitland, and Delmar. We are accessible via major routes like Route 50 and Route 13. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Charges
What does “Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US” mean?
It is a federal crime (18 U.S.C. § 471) involving the fraudulent creation or alteration of U.S. government items like currency, bonds, or stamps with the intent to deceive or defraud. A counterfeit currency defense lawyer Wicomico County can explain how this law applies to your situation.
What agency investigates counterfeiting charges?
The U.S. Secret Service has primary jurisdiction for investigating counterfeit currency and securities. The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) may also be involved, especially in complex or cross-border cases.
What are the possible defenses to a counterfeiting charge?
Potential defenses include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, unlawful search and seizure violating the Fourth Amendment, or challenging the authenticity of the evidence. A skilled counterfeiting charge lawyer Wicomico County can evaluate the best defense for your case.
Is this charge a state or federal crime?
It is a federal crime. Counterfeiting U.S. obligations is prosecuted in U.S. District Court, not Maryland state court. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland handles cases from Wicomico County.
What should I do if I’m contacted by a federal agent about counterfeiting?
Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with an attorney. Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. Anything you say can be used against you.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing federal charges for Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US in Wicomico County, you need focused representation. For other legal concerns in the area, you may also need a Wicomico County criminal defense lawyer for state charges or a Maryland federal criminal lawyer for an overview of federal defense. Our main hub for this area of law is Federal Criminal Lawyer Maryland.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.