Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer Fairfax County — Federal Defense
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. A conviction can result in up to 20 years in federal prison and substantial fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for Fairfax County residents facing these complex federal charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | Virginia General Assembly
Federal Law on Counterfeiting U.S. Securities
The primary statute for counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Fairfax County defense is 18 U.S.C. § 471. This law makes it a crime to falsely make, forge, counterfeit, or alter any obligation or security of the United States with intent to defraud. “Obligations or securities” include currency, treasury notes, bonds, and other instruments issued under U.S. authority. The statute requires the government to prove you acted with specific intent to defraud. Defenses often challenge the intent element or the authenticity of the evidence.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 471 (official U.S. Code). For local court procedures, refer to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
Federal Court Process in Fairfax County
Federal counterfeiting cases for Fairfax County are typically prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division). The process is markedly different from state court. A key local procedural fact is that federal investigations often involve agencies like the U.S. Secret Service or Homeland Security Investigations long before an arrest. The initial appearance and arraignment are held at the federal courthouse in Alexandria.
- Initial Appearance: You will be brought before a federal magistrate judge after arrest.
- Detention Hearing: The court determines if you will be released on bond or detained pending trial.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews all evidence and files pre-trial motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The case may resolve through a plea agreement or proceed to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which are often stricter than state penalties.
Potential Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting
In Fairfax County, a conviction for counterfeiting U.S. obligations 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 (18 U.S.C. § 471) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Forfeiture of assets, permanent federal criminal record, loss of certain civil rights. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Federal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings combined legal experience to federal cases. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex federal matters. We understand the high stakes of federal court and the need for a meticulous, aggressive defense from the investigation phase forward.
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
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results & Approach
We approach each federal case with a focus on the specific facts and legal challenges. Our defense strategy for counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Fairfax County cases involves scrutinizing the government’s evidence on intent, challenging the chain of custody, and exploring all procedural avenues. We have secured favorable outcomes in various complex matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Federal Defense Lawyers Serving Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location is centrally positioned to serve clients facing federal charges in the Eastern District of Virginia. We are a counterfeit currency defense lawyer Fairfax County resource for residents in Fairfax, Centreville, Reston, Vienna, and surrounding communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
FAQs: Federal Counterfeiting Charges
What does 18 U.S.C. § 471 prohibit?
It prohibits forging, counterfeiting, or altering U.S. obligations or securities—like currency or bonds—with intent to defraud.
What is the penalty for a counterfeiting charge in federal court?
It is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and significant fines. Sentencing follows strict federal guidelines.
Do I need a specific lawyer for a federal counterfeiting charge?
Yes. Federal procedure differs greatly from state court. You need a counterfeiting charge lawyer Fairfax County with federal experience, as cases are tried in U.S. District Court, not local county courts.
What agencies investigate counterfeiting cases?
The U.S. Secret Service has primary jurisdiction, but cases may also involve the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), or local police.
Can I get bail in a federal case?
It depends. A detention hearing determines release. Factors include flight risk, danger to the community, and the strength of the government’s case.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing federal charges, it is critical to act quickly. For more on our federal practice, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Defense hub. For other serious charges in the area, consider our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyers or Fairfax County DUI attorneys.
Last verified April 2026.