Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia — What Is Your Best Defense?
Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US lawyer Augusta County: Federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carry up to 20 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, leads your defense. Consultation by appointment.
Understanding Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US
Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US involves the unlawful creation, alteration, or possession of counterfeit federal currency, bonds, or securities. Under 18 U.S.C. § 471, it is a federal crime to falsely make, forge, or counterfeit any obligation or security of the United States with the intent to defraud. This includes counterfeit currency, Federal Reserve notes, Treasury bonds, and other government securities. The statute covers both the act of counterfeiting and the possession of counterfeit items with fraudulent intent. Federal jurisdiction applies because the items are obligations of the United States government.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | 18 U.S.C. § 471 (official U.S. Code)
External Legal Resources
- 18 U.S.C. § 471 (official U.S. Code via Cornell LII) — Federal statute defining counterfeiting of U.S. obligations and securities.
- Augusta County General District Court (official Virginia Courts website) — Local court handling preliminary hearings for federal cases.
Insider Procedural Edge: Federal Counterfeiting Cases in Augusta County
Federal counterfeiting cases in Augusta County are investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia. Initial appearances and detention hearings occur at the Augusta County General District Court before transfer to federal court in Harrisonburg or Roanoke. The federal system has no parole, and mandatory minimum sentences apply to certain counterfeiting offenses.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately upon learning of an investigation or arrest.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present — anything you say can be used against you.
- Preserve all evidence and documents that may be relevant to your defense.
- Attend all court appearances at Augusta County General District Court and federal court.
- Work with your lawyer to evaluate potential defenses, including lack of intent or government misconduct.
Penalties for Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US
In Augusta County, counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison under 18 U.S.C. § 471.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counterfeiting U.S. obligations or securities (18 U.S.C. § 471) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | Forfeiture of counterfeit items; supervised release up to 3 years; no parole in federal system |
| Possession of counterfeit U.S. obligations (18 U.S.C. § 472) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | Forfeiture; supervised release; potential immigration consequences for non-citizens |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across all practice areas, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. While specific case results for counterfeiting charges in Augusta County are not available, the firm has a strong track record in federal criminal defense matters. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer Near Augusta County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Augusta County courts (6 East Johnson Street, Staunton, VA 24401), accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, Route 250, and Route 340. We serve Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US in Augusta County
What is the penalty for counterfeiting U.S. obligations in Augusta County?
Yes, counterfeiting U.S. obligations under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carries up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Cases are prosecuted in the Western District of Virginia.
Can counterfeiting charges be reduced or dismissed in Augusta County?
It depends. Charges may be reduced or dismissed if the government cannot prove intent to defraud, if the items are not genuine obligations, or if there was entrapment or government misconduct. Early intervention by a federal defense lawyer is critical.
Do I need a counterfeiting charge lawyer in Augusta County?
Yes. Federal counterfeiting charges carry severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences. A counterfeiting charge lawyer Augusta County can challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and build a strong defense. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between state and federal counterfeiting charges in Augusta County?
Federal counterfeiting charges involve U.S. currency, bonds, or securities and are prosecuted in federal court. State charges may involve counterfeit documents or checks. Federal penalties are significantly more severe, with no parole and mandatory minimum sentences.
How does bail work for federal counterfeiting charges in Augusta County?
A federal magistrate judge sets bond at the initial appearance. Detention is common for counterfeiting defendants with prior fraud convictions or flight risk. A counterfeiting defense lawyer Augusta County can argue for release with conditions like GPS monitoring or third-party custody.
Can a non-citizen be deported for counterfeiting charges in Augusta County?
Yes. Counterfeiting is a crime involving moral turpitude and an aggravated felony under immigration law, which can lead to deportation, denial of naturalization, and inadmissibility. A counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Augusta County can advise on both criminal and immigration consequences.
Legal Information Freshness
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.