Criminal Copyright Infringement Lawyer in Burlington County, NJ
Criminal copyright infringement under 17 U.S.C. § 506 and 18 U.S.C. § 2319 is a federal felony prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. A conviction can lead to severe penalties, including years in federal prison and substantial fines.
Federal Law on Criminal Copyright Infringement
Federal law makes it a crime to willfully infringe a copyright for commercial advantage or private financial gain. The statute, 17 U.S.C. § 506, outlines the elements, while 18 U.S.C. § 2319 sets the penalties based on the scope and commercial value of the infringement. Prosecutions are typically handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, often following investigations by agencies like the FBI or Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | 17 U.S.C. § 506
External Legal Resources
- 17 U.S.C. § 506 – Criminal offenses (Cornell Legal Information Institute)
- U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
Defending Against Piracy and Copyright Violation Charges in Burlington County
Defending a federal copyright case requires challenging the prosecution’s evidence on willfulness and financial gain. A piracy charge lawyer Burlington County from our firm examines the investigation’s methods, the validity of the copyright claim, and the alleged monetary value. In Burlington County, federal defendants may have their initial appearances in Newark or Camden. We develop a defense strategy that may involve negotiating for a reduced charge or presenting evidence that the infringement was not willful.
- Initial Investigation & Contact: You may be contacted by federal agents or receive a grand jury subpoena. Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Federal Charges Filed: Charges are filed via a complaint or grand jury indictment in U.S. District Court.
- Initial Appearance & Arraignment: You will appear before a federal magistrate judge, be informed of the charges, and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases end in a plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which consider the financial scale of the infringement.
Potential Penalties for Federal Copyright Infringement
In Burlington County, federal criminal copyright infringement carries penalties based on the number and value of infringing copies, including mandatory prison time for certain thresholds.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infringement for Commercial Advantage | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Forfeiture of infringing items and equipment |
| Large-Scale Reproduction/Distribution (10+ copies worth > $2,500 within 180 days) | Felony | Up to 3 years | Up to $250,000 | Criminal restitution to copyright owner |
| Willful Infringement (other cases) | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $100,000 | Civil liability for damages |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Federal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal cases. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we defend clients across multiple jurisdictions. We understand the technical and legal nuances of copyright law and the aggressive tactics of federal prosecutors.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results are confidential, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. We approach each federal copyright case by meticulously analyzing the digital evidence, challenging the prosecution’s valuation, and protecting our clients’ rights at every stage.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Burlington County Federal Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Burlington County. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike and I-295. We serve communities including Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton.
24/7 Phone Consultations — (888) 437-7747 — Meetings By Appointment Only
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
FAQs: Criminal Copyright Infringement Defense
What is the difference between civil and criminal copyright infringement?
Civil infringement involves a lawsuit for money damages. Criminal copyright infringement requires the government to prove you acted willfully and for commercial advantage or private financial gain, which can lead to prison time.
Can I go to jail for downloading movies or software?
It depends. Isolated, non-commercial downloading is typically a civil matter. However, large-scale distribution, selling bootleg copies, or operating a piracy website for profit can trigger a federal criminal investigation and felony charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2319.
What should I do if federal agents want to question me about piracy?
Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a criminal copyright infringement lawyer Burlington County. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercising these rights cannot be held against you.
What are common defenses to a criminal copyright violation charge?
Defenses include lack of willfulness, fair use, challenging the validity or ownership of the copyright, mistaken identity, and challenging the methods used in the investigation (such as illegal search and seizure). A copyright violation defense lawyer Burlington County can identify the best strategy for your case.
Where will my federal copyright case be heard for Burlington County?
Federal charges for acts occurring in Burlington County are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Initial proceedings may be in the Newark or Camden courthouses, depending on the division handling the case.
Internal Resources
- New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Hub
- Federal Criminal Lawyer Camden County
- Business Lawyer Burlington County
Page Last verified: April 2026. Federal statutes and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.
Burlington County cases are handled by our New Jersey criminal copyright infringement practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Indictable charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division; disorderly-persons offenses are heard in the municipal court where the charge was filed. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Criminal Copyright Infringement Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Criminal Copyright Infringement Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Criminal Copyright Infringement Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.