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James City County Federal Criminal Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Facing federal charges for Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US lawyer James City County requires an immediate, strategic defense. Under 18 U.S.C. § 471, counterfeiting carries up to 20 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide case results. 24/7 consultations by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Williamsburg/James City County GDC | Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)
Federal counterfeiting charges involve the creation, alteration, or possession of fake U.S. currency, securities, or obligations with intent to defraud. Under 18 U.S.C. § 471, the government must prove you knowingly made or passed a counterfeit obligation. This is a felony carrying severe penalties, including prison time and fines. A conviction also creates a permanent federal record.
For charges specifically involving Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US, the primary federal statute is 18 U.S.C. § 471. This statute defines the crime and sets the maximum penalty. Unlike state-level forgery, federal counterfeiting cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and heard in federal district court. The definition under § 471 focuses on the intent to defraud by making or passing counterfeit items that resemble genuine U.S. obligations.
Review the official federal statute: 18 U.S.C. § 471 (Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the U.S.) and the Williamsburg/James City County GDC website for local court procedures.
In federal court, the process begins with a grand jury indictment. Your first appearance is before a federal magistrate judge for arraignment and bond determination. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division) prosecutes these cases. Federal sentencing guidelines apply, and there is no parole.
- Step 1: Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. Do not speak to investigators without counsel.
- Step 2: Your attorney will file a notice of appearance and request a detention hearing to argue for release.
- Step 3: Discovery begins. Your lawyer will review all evidence, including forensic analysis of the alleged counterfeit items.
- Step 4: File pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if the government’s case is weak.
- Step 5: Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a plea agreement or proceed to trial if no acceptable offer is made.
- Step 6: If convicted, your attorney will advocate for a sentence below the guidelines at the sentencing hearing.
In James City County, federal counterfeiting under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carries up to 20 years in prison, fines, and supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the U.S. | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | None (federal) | Supervised release, forfeiture of assets, permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing insider knowledge of how the government builds its cases.
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
Our secondary attorney, Matthew Greene, brings 30+ years of experience, including death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with the City of Alexandria for CPS cases. He handles federal criminal defense alongside Mr. Sris.
While specific locality case results for James City County federal counterfeiting are limited, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results across all practice areas. Our favorable outcome rate is 93%+. We have successfully defended clients in federal court against charges including counterfeiting, wire fraud, and drug trafficking.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is approximately 50 miles from the Williamsburg/James City County GDC, accessible via I-64 and Route 199. We serve clients in Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, and Lightfoot.
Searching for a federal criminal lawyer near James City County? We are here to help.
Neighborhoods served: Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, Lightfoot.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for counterfeiting U.S. currency in James City County?
Yes, under 18 U.S.C. § 471, counterfeiting carries up to 20 years in federal prison, fines, and supervised release. It is a federal felony.
Can federal counterfeiting charges be dismissed?
It depends. Dismissal is possible if the government cannot prove intent to defraud or if evidence was obtained illegally. A strong motion to suppress can lead to dismissal.
Do I need a lawyer for a federal counterfeiting investigation?
Yes. Never speak to federal agents without a lawyer. Early legal intervention can prevent charges or lead to a favorable resolution.
How long does a federal counterfeiting case take in Virginia?
It depends. Under the Speedy Trial Act, trial must occur within 70 days of indictment. Complex cases can take 6-18 months from arrest to resolution.
What is the difference between state forgery and federal counterfeiting?
Federal counterfeiting involves U.S. currency, securities, or obligations. State forgery covers checks, documents, or signatures. Federal charges carry longer sentences.