Poquoson Federal Criminal Lawyer for Counterfeiting of U.S. Securities
Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US 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 Poquoson residents facing these complex federal charges.
Federal Law on Counterfeiting U.S. Obligations or Securities
The federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 471 makes it a crime 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, bills, and other government securities. The law is broad and covers both the production and the passing of counterfeit items.
Last verified: April 2026 | Federal statutes are prosecuted in U.S. District Court | 18 U.S.C. § 471 (official U.S. Code)
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has built a multi-state practice focused on complex criminal defense. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in financial crime cases like counterfeiting, where understanding the technical and financial details is crucial.
Official Federal Resources
- 18 U.S.C. § 471 – Counterfeiting and Forgery (Cornell Legal Information Institute)
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
Federal Investigation and Defense Strategy in Poquoson
Cases involving the Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US are typically investigated by the U.S. Secret Service or the FBI. For Poquoson residents, the case will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, often out of the Newport News or Norfolk divisions. The key local procedural fact is that these are purely federal offenses, meaning state courts like Poquoson General District Court have no jurisdiction. The entire process—from arrest and initial appearance to detention hearings and trial—occurs in the federal system under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
- Initial Contact & Investigation: You may be contacted by federal agents. Do not speak to them without your attorney present. Contact our firm immediately at (888) 437-7747.
- Federal Arrest & Initial Appearance: If arrested, you will be brought before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for an initial appearance, where charges are read and your right to counsel is affirmed.
- Detention Hearing: The government may seek to detain you without bail. We will argue for your release under specific conditions at a detention hearing.
- Grand Jury Indictment: A federal grand jury will review the evidence and issue a formal indictment, which starts the formal court process.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: We will file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the indictment, and compel the government to share all its evidence (discovery).
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: We will negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a favorable plea agreement or, if necessary, prepare for a jury trial in U.S. District Court.
Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting Charges
In the federal system, Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences 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) / $500,000 (organization) | Forfeiture of assets, permanent federal criminal record, loss of certain civil rights. |
| Possessing/Circulating Counterfeit Items (18 U.S.C. § 472) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | Same as above. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which is uniquely valuable for dissecting financial evidence in counterfeiting cases. We have a documented record of over 4,739 case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide “Advocacy Without Borders,” offering full representation in federal courts across multiple states.
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
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific local results for Poquoson are not listed, our firm-wide track record in federal and complex criminal defense is substantial. For instance, we have successfully defended clients in the Eastern District of Virginia on charges ranging from conspiracy to fraud. Our secondary attorney on federal matters, 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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Poquoson Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations. In-person meetings by appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Poquoson and the surrounding Chesapeake Bay area. We represent individuals facing federal charges in the Eastern District of Virginia.
FAQs: Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Defense
What does “Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US” mean?
It is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 471 involving the fraudulent creation or alteration of U.S. government financial instruments like currency, bonds, or treasury notes with intent to defraud.
What agency investigates counterfeiting charges?
The U.S. Secret Service has primary jurisdiction for investigating counterfeit currency and securities. The FBI may also be involved, especially in larger, more complex fraud schemes.
What are the potential penalties if convicted?
Conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 471 is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, fines up to $250,000 for individuals, and a permanent criminal record. There is no parole in the federal system.
Do I need a specific counterfeiting charge lawyer in Poquoson?
Yes. These are federal charges prosecuted in U.S. District Court藩 not Poquoson local courts. You need an attorney, like Mr. Sris at SRIS, P.C., experienced in federal criminal procedure and financial crime defense.
What should I do if I’m under investigation?
Do not speak to investigators. Immediately contact a federal defense lawyer. Call us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747. We can advise you on your rights and intervene with investigators on your behalf.
Can I get bail on a federal counterfeiting charge?
It depends. After an arrest, a detention hearing is held. The judge considers flight risk and danger to the community. We advocate for release with conditions like electronic monitoring. Forfeiture of assets may also be a factor.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other federal charges, our firm also handles federal business crimes, complex civil litigation, and serious DUI offenses.
Service Area: We serve Poquoson and clients throughout the Eastern District of Virginia. For defense in other areas, see our Virginia federal criminal defense hub or pages for Alexandria and Arlington.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Federal laws and procedures can change. The information provided is for general knowledge and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for case-specific guidance.