Criminal Copyright Infringement Lawyer Bergen County — Federal Piracy Defense
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 mean years in prison and massive fines.
Federal Criminal Copyright Infringement Law
Federal law makes it a crime to willfully infringe a copyright for commercial advantage or private financial gain, or by reproducing or distributing copyrighted works with a total retail value exceeding $1,000. The statute is codified at 17 U.S.C. § 506 and the criminal penalties are outlined in 18 U.S.C. § 2319. This is distinct from civil copyright infringement and involves the U.S. Department of Justice.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | U.S. Congress
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys understand how federal prosecutors build these cases, often involving digital evidence.
Links to Official Federal Law & Court
- 17 U.S.C. § 506 – Criminal offenses (Cornell Legal Information Institute)
- U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey official website
Bergen County Federal Piracy Defense Strategy
Federal piracy charges in Bergen County are typically investigated by the FBI or Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The Key Local Procedural Fact is that these cases are prosecuted in the Newark or Camden divisions of the U.S. District Court for New Jersey, not in Bergen County Superior Court. The prosecution must prove you acted “willfully” and for financial gain, which is a high legal bar. A copyright violation defense lawyer Bergen County can challenge the evidence on these precise points.
- Immediately secure legal counsel if you suspect you are under investigation.
- Your attorney will analyze the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses in proving “willfulness” or “financial gain.”
- We will engage with the Assistant U.S. Attorney early to negotiate a potential pre-indictment resolution.
- If indicted, we file motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence or challenge the validity of the copyright.
- Prepare a strong defense for trial, focusing on lack of criminal intent or mistaken identity.
- If a plea is the best option, we negotiate for a sentence below the federal sentencing guidelines.
Penalties for Federal Copyright Piracy
In Bergen County, federal criminal copyright infringement carries severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison for a first offense and fines up to $250,000 for an individual.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Offense (10+ copies, $2,500+ value) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Forfeiture of infringing items & equipment |
| Subsequent Offense | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Restitution to copyright owners |
| Pre-Release Commercial Piracy | Federal Felony | Up to 3 years | Up to $250,000 | Mandatory asset forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Piracy Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal defense. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in information systems, providing a unique advantage in dissecting the technical aspects of digital piracy cases. We approach each case with a “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy, dedicating the resources needed for a strong defense.
Case Results & Federal Defense Experience
While specific case results for criminal copyright infringement in Bergen County are not disclosed, our firm has a documented track record of favorable outcomes in federal matters. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. We have successfully defended clients facing serious federal charges by challenging evidence, negotiating favorable pleas, and taking cases to trial when necessary.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Bergen County. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. We serve Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 455-5120
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Criminal Copyright Infringement in Bergen County
What is the difference between civil and criminal copyright infringement?
Criminal infringement requires the government to prove you acted “willfully” and for “commercial advantage or private financial gain.” Civil infringement is a lawsuit between private parties for damages, without the need to prove criminal intent. A piracy charge lawyer Bergen County defends against the criminal charges brought by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Can I go to jail for downloading movies or software?
It depends. Simple, non-commercial downloading for personal use is typically a civil matter. However, if you are willfully reproducing and distributing copyrighted works on a large scale (e.g., via torrent sites), or if it’s part of a for-profit operation, you could face federal criminal charges and potential imprisonment.
Who investigates criminal copyright piracy in New Jersey?
The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are the primary federal agencies that investigate criminal copyright infringement. They often work with industry trade groups and use sophisticated digital forensics to track large-scale piracy operations. The case is then presented to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey for prosecution.
What should I do if I am contacted by the FBI about piracy?
Do not speak to agents without an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a criminal copyright infringement lawyer Bergen County. Anything you say can be used against you. An attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf to understand the scope of the inquiry and protect your rights from the outset.
What are common defenses to federal copyright infringement charges?
Common defenses include lack of willful intent, mistaken identity (someone else used your IP address), fair use, challenging the validity of the copyright, or arguing that the activity did not meet the statutory threshold for financial gain. A skilled copyright violation defense lawyer Bergen County will analyze all evidence to identify the strongest defense strategy for your case.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing other federal charges, our firm also handles federal criminal defense in Bergen County. For state-level intellectual property disputes, see our Bergen County business law services. For a broader view of our federal practice, visit our New Jersey federal criminal lawyer hub page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Information is subject to change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding criminal copyright infringement lawyer Bergen County representation.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on criminal copyright infringement charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen 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 Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, 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 Bergen 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: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Criminal Copyright Infringement Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Criminal Copyright Infringement Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.