Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US lawyer Dinwiddie County: Federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carry up to 20 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive experience defending federal counterfeiting cases in Dinwiddie County. Our firm has 4,739+ documented results firm-wide. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | Dinwiddie County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
Statutory Definition of Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US
Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US involves the forgery, alteration, or unauthorized creation of United States currency, bonds, or other government securities. Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 471 makes it a crime to falsely make, forge, or counterfeit any obligation or security of the United States with intent to defraud. This includes paper money, coins, Treasury bonds, and other federal financial instruments. The statute covers both the creation of counterfeit items and the possession of counterfeit plates or materials. Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia handle these cases. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has been defending clients since 1997. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, leads the federal criminal defense practice.
External Citation Links
For the official federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 471 (Cornell LII). For the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, visit United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Insider Procedural Edge for Counterfeiting Cases in Dinwiddie County
Federal counterfeiting cases in Dinwiddie County are investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia. The federal court process differs significantly from state court. Defendants face mandatory minimum sentences for certain counterfeiting offenses. The government must prove intent to defraud beyond a reasonable doubt. A strong defense often challenges the government’s evidence of intent and the chain of custody of alleged counterfeit items.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a federal magistrate judge within 48 hours of arrest. The judge advises you of your rights and sets conditions of release.
- Detention Hearing: The government may request pretrial detention. Your lawyer argues for release on conditions or bond.
- Indictment: A federal grand jury returns an indictment within 30 days if you are in custody, or 60 days if released.
- Discovery and Motions: Your lawyer reviews the government’s evidence and files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Trial must begin within 70 days of indictment under the Speedy Trial Act. Your lawyer negotiates with prosecutors or prepares for trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge applies the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Your lawyer presents mitigating factors to reduce your sentence.
In Dinwiddie 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 | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counterfeiting US Obligations (18 U.S.C. § 471) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Forfeiture of assets, supervised release up to 3 years |
| Possession of Counterfeit Plates (18 U.S.C. § 474) | Federal Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Forfeiture of equipment, supervised release |
| Uttering Counterfeit Securities (18 U.S.C. § 472) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal) | Restitution, supervised release |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating his deep understanding of Virginia law. For federal criminal defense, Mr. Sris and Matthew Greene bring decades of experience handling complex federal cases in the Eastern District of Virginia.
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
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. For federal criminal cases in Dinwiddie County, our attorneys have extensive experience defending counterfeiting and other federal charges. No verifiable case result is available for this specific jurisdiction/topic.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the penalty for counterfeiting US obligations in Dinwiddie County?
Yes. Counterfeiting US obligations under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carries up to 20 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000. Additional penalties include forfeiture of assets and supervised release. The Eastern District of Virginia prosecutes these cases.
Q: Can counterfeiting charges be reduced or dismissed in federal court?
It depends. Charges may be reduced or dismissed if the government cannot prove intent to defraud beyond a reasonable doubt. A skilled federal criminal defense lawyer can challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, or seek pretrial diversion programs.
Q: How long does a federal counterfeiting case take in Dinwiddie County?
Typically 6-18 months. The Speedy Trial Act requires indictment within 30 days of arrest and trial within 70 days of indictment. Complex cases involving multiple defendants or extensive evidence may take longer.
Q: Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer for counterfeiting charges?
Yes. Federal counterfeiting charges carry severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences. An experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights, challenge the government’s evidence, and negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
Q: What is the difference between state and federal counterfeiting charges?
Federal counterfeiting charges involve US currency, bonds, or government securities. State charges involve counterfeit documents like driver’s licenses. Federal cases carry longer sentences and are prosecuted by US Attorneys. State cases are handled by Commonwealth’s Attorneys.