Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in King William County, VA
Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the United States is a serious federal felony under 18 U.S.C. § 471, prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia. If you are under investigation or charged in King William County, you need a lawyer experienced in federal court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for this complex charge.
Federal Law on Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations or Securities
Counterfeiting U.S. obligations or securities is a federal crime defined in Title 18 of the United States Code. The primary statute, 18 U.S.C. § 471, 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-issued financial instruments.
Last verified: April 2026 | Eastern District of Virginia | U.S. Code.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience handling complex federal cases. A strong defense requires understanding the specific intent element and the intricate procedures of federal court.
Official Legal Resources
For the official 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.
Defending a Counterfeiting Charge in King William County
Federal investigations for counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US often involve agencies like the U.S. Secret Service or the FBI. A case originating in King William County would typically be prosecuted in the Richmond Division of the Eastern District of Virginia. The key to defense often lies in challenging the evidence of intent to defraud and the authenticity of the alleged counterfeit items.
- Initial Consultation & Case Assessment: Contact our firm immediately if you are under investigation or charged. We will review the details of your case, including the nature of the alleged counterfeit items and the evidence against you.
- Investigation & Evidence Review: We conduct a thorough investigation, which may involve hiring forensic experts to examine the alleged counterfeit obligations or securities and challenge the government’s analysis.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: We file motions to suppress evidence obtained improperly and engage in negotiations with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seek a reduction or dismissal of charges where possible.
- Trial Preparation & Defense: If your case proceeds to trial, we build a strong defense strategy, which may focus on lack of intent, mistaken identity, or flaws in the prosecution’s evidence chain.
- Sentencing Advocacy: If a conviction occurs, we advocate vigorously at sentencing, presenting mitigating factors to argue for the most lenient sentence under the guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting
In federal court, counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the United States under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms and substantial fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations/Securities (18 U.S.C. § 471) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years in federal prison | Up to $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Forfeiture of assets, permanent federal criminal record, loss of certain civil rights. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes attorneys with deep knowledge of federal criminal procedure and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. We approach each case with a detailed strategy case-specific to the specific allegations of counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
For federal cases, our team collaborates closely. Attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including federal court practice, provides additional support on complex defense strategies.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in complex cases. While every case is unique, our approach is built on aggressive investigation and strategic defense. We have secured dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing serious federal allegations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our King William County Federal Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients in King William County facing federal charges. We are accessible from Route 30, Route 360, and Route 33.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only. We serve the communities of King William, West Point, and Aylett.
FAQs: Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities Defense
What does “obligations or securities of the United States” mean?
It refers to U.S. currency, Treasury bonds, notes, bills, certificates of indebtedness, and other financial instruments issued by the U.S. government under its authority.
What is the difference between this and a simple counterfeit currency charge?
“Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US” under 18 U.S.C. § 471 is a broader statute that covers not just currency but all U.S. securities. A simple counterfeit currency charge might fall under a different statute, but both are serious federal felonies with similar severe penalties.
Do I need a specific counterfeiting charge lawyer in King William County?
Yes. You need a lawyer experienced in federal court, not just state court. Federal procedure, sentencing guidelines, and prosecuting agencies are entirely different. A counterfeiting charge lawyer King William County with federal experience is essential.
What should I do if I’m contacted by federal agents about counterfeiting?
Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with an attorney. Do not consent to any searches. Contact a federal defense lawyer immediately. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
Can I get a plea deal in a federal counterfeiting case?
It depends. The U.S. Attorney’s Office may offer a plea agreement, especially if the evidence is strong. An experienced counterfeit currency defense lawyer King William County can negotiate for a reduction in charges or a favorable sentencing recommendation in exchange for a guilty plea.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing federal charges, learn more about your rights. For broader federal defense, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Lawyer hub. For related issues in the area, consider Federal Criminal Lawyer in Henrico County. For other legal needs in King William County, visit our page on Business Law.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.