Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods Lawyer Gloucester County — What Are Your Defenses?
Trafficking in counterfeit goods is a serious federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 2320, prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Charges can lead to significant prison time, fines, and asset forfeiture. As a trafficking in counterfeit goods lawyer Gloucester County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Federal Law on Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods
Trafficking in counterfeit goods is a federal crime defined under the Trademark Counterfeiting Act of 1984, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 2320. The law prohibits the intentional trafficking, or attempting to traffic, in goods or services while knowingly using a counterfeit mark. A “counterfeit mark” is defined as a spurious mark that is identical to, or substantially indistinguishable from, a registered trademark. The statute covers a wide range of activities, including manufacturing, distributing, selling, and offering for sale counterfeit items. The law is enforced by federal agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | 18 U.S.C. § 2320 (official U.S. Code)
External Legal Resources
For the official federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 2320. For information on the federal court handling these cases in New Jersey, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
Federal Investigation and Court Process in New Jersey
Federal trafficking in counterfeit goods cases in New Jersey typically begin with a lengthy investigation. Agencies like HSI or the FBI may conduct undercover purchases, execute search warrants on warehouses or online sellers, and trace financial transactions. The case is presented to a federal grand jury in Newark, Camden, or Trenton. If indicted, the case proceeds in U.S. District Court. The process is governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and involves strict discovery deadlines, pretrial motions, and sentencing under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
- Initial Investigation: Federal agents gather evidence through surveillance, undercover operations, and financial records.
- Search Warrants/Seizure: Agents may execute warrants to seize counterfeit inventory and business records.
- Grand Jury Indictment: Prosecutors present evidence to a grand jury to secure a formal indictment.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: The defendant appears in federal court, enters a plea, and a judge determines if they will be released pending trial.
- Discovery & Motions: The defense reviews all evidence and files pretrial motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The case may be resolved through a plea agreement or proceed to a jury trial.
Potential Penalties for Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods
In federal court, trafficking in counterfeit goods carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and multi-million dollar fines, based on the retail value of the counterfeit items.
| Offense Level | Potential Incarceration | Potential Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Offense (Individual) | Up to 10 years | Up to $2 million | Asset forfeiture, restitution to trademark owners |
| Subsequent Offense (Individual) | Up to 20 years | Up to $5 million | Enhanced forfeiture, permanent injunction |
| Corporate Defendant | N/A | Up to $15 million | Forfeiture of all proceeds, dissolution possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to federal cases. We understand the high-pressure environment of federal investigations and the intricate strategies needed for a strong defense. Our approach is collaborative, ensuring every client benefits from the collective knowledge of our team.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in contested cases. While specific results depend on the unique facts of each case, our strategic approach focuses on challenging the prosecution’s evidence, negotiating for reduced charges, and advocating for our clients at every stage. We have successfully defended clients in federal courts by meticulously analyzing financial records, challenging search warrant procedures, and presenting mitigating factors at sentencing.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Gloucester County Federal Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Gloucester County, including Woodbury, Washington Township, Deptford, and Glassboro. We provide representation for federal charges heard in the District of New Jersey.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a counterfeit goods charge and a trademark fraud charge?
It depends. A trafficking in counterfeit goods charge under 18 U.S.C. § 2320 specifically involves dealing in physical goods bearing a fake trademark. A trademark fraud charge lawyer Gloucester County might handle broader issues of fraudulent trademark registration or use in commerce that deceives consumers, which can be a separate civil or criminal matter.
Can I be charged in New Jersey if I sold counterfeit goods online from another state?
Yes. If the counterfeit goods were sold to buyers in New Jersey or shipped through the state, federal prosecutors in the District of New Jersey can assert jurisdiction. The internet complicates jurisdiction, making a strong defense from a trafficking in counterfeit goods lawyer Gloucester County critical.
What are common defenses to trafficking in counterfeit goods charges?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge (you didn’t know the goods were counterfeit), lack of intent to deceive, entrapment by law enforcement, challenges to the validity of the search warrant that uncovered evidence, and mistaken identity. An experienced counterfeit goods defense lawyer Gloucester County can evaluate which defenses apply to your case.
What happens during a federal investigation into counterfeit goods?
A federal investigation often involves surveillance, undercover purchases, analysis of financial and shipping records, and execution of search warrants. You may be contacted by agents for an interview. It is imperative to consult with an attorney before speaking with investigators, as anything you say can be used against you.
Are there state charges for counterfeit goods in New Jersey?
Yes, New Jersey has its own laws against trademark counterfeiting (N.J.S.A. 2C:21-32). However, due to the interstate nature of most counterfeit trade, federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2320 are far more common and carry much heavier penalties.
Internal Resources
For more information on our federal practice, visit our New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense hub page. If you are facing other federal charges, consider reading about a federal criminal lawyer in Camden County. For related business legal issues, see our page on business lawyers in Gloucester County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If you want to see how a Gloucester County case fits into the wider process, our page on trafficking in counterfeit goods lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.
Gloucester County cases follow the same route as the rest of the area, and our page on trafficking in counterfeit goods in Virginia explains each stage.
Your case in Gloucester County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Gloucester County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage (15th Vicinage), 70 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096, telephone (856) 853-3200, 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 N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 (aggravated sexual assault) within the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Gloucester 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: Gloucester County NJ lawyers directory · Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods Lawyer Middlesex County, NJ · Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods Lawyer Essex County, NJ.