Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods Lawyer Mercer County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Trafficking in counterfeit goods in Mercer County is a serious offense under New Jersey law, often charged as a second-degree crime with severe penalties. If you are facing these charges, you need a defense lawyer who understands the specific statutes and local prosecution strategies. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Law on Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods
In New Jersey, trafficking in counterfeit goods is primarily governed by statutes addressing trademark counterfeiting. The law prohibits the intentional trafficking or attempting to traffic in goods or services while knowing that a counterfeit mark is attached to them. The severity of the charge often depends on the number of items involved and their retail value. Charges can range from a third-degree crime to a second-degree crime, with the latter carrying the potential for significant state prison time.
Last verified: April 2026 | Mercer County Superior Court | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Understanding the specific laws is important. You can review the official New Jersey statutes concerning trademark counterfeiting on the New Jersey Legislature website. For procedures specific to Mercer County, visit the Mercer County Criminal Court website.
Local Defense Strategy for Mercer County
Prosecutors in Mercer County, particularly in Trenton, take intellectual property crimes seriously due to the county’s commercial activity. A common local procedural fact is that cases involving large quantities of goods often originate from investigations by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs or joint task forces with federal authorities. The prosecution must prove you knew the trademark was counterfeit, which is a key point for defense.
- Initial Appearance: You will be formally charged, and bail conditions will be set. An attorney can argue for reasonable bail.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your lawyer will obtain all evidence, including search warrants, inventory lists, and communications, to challenge the knowledge element.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Motions may be filed to suppress evidence obtained improperly or to challenge the valuation of the goods, which determines the degree of the charge.
- Plea Negotiations: Based on the evidence, your attorney may negotiate for a reduction to a lower-degree offense or explore diversion programs for first-time offenders.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to trial before a jury in Mercer County, where the state must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Potential Penalties for Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods
In Mercer County, trafficking in counterfeit goods can be charged as a second or third-degree crime, carrying years in prison and fines of up to $150,000 or more.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trafficking (100+ items or value over $1,000) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Forfeiture of goods and assets, permanent criminal record. |
| Trafficking (lesser quantities) | Third-Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Criminal record, potential civil lawsuits from trademark holders. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Intellectual Property Defense
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings decades of combined experience to serious criminal defense, including trademark fraud charges. Our firm’s founder, a former prosecutor, understands how the state builds these cases from the ground up. We approach each case by meticulously examining the evidence, challenging the prosecution’s proof of knowledge and intent, which are central to a trafficking in counterfeit goods charge.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of advocating for clients facing serious felony charges. We work to achieve a favorable outcome, which can include getting charges reduced or dismissed by challenging the validity of the evidence or the prosecution’s ability to prove criminal intent.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact a Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods Defense Lawyer in Mercer County
If you are under investigation or have been charged, immediate action is vital. Our Trenton location serves clients throughout Mercer County, including Hamilton, Lawrence, and Ewing. We offer 24/7 phone consultations for urgent matters.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
123 Example Street, Suite 101
Trenton, NJ 08608
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a counterfeit goods defense lawyer in Mercer County do?
Yes. A counterfeit goods defense lawyer in Mercer County represents individuals accused of selling or distributing fake branded items. They analyze the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s claim that you knew the goods were counterfeit, negotiate with prosecutors, and defend you at trial to protect your rights and freedom.
Can I go to jail for a trademark fraud charge in New Jersey?
It depends on the degree of the charge. Trafficking in counterfeit goods is often a second or third-degree crime in NJ. A second-degree conviction carries a mandatory state prison sentence of 5-10 years. A strong defense is critical to avoid or minimize incarceration.
What is the main defense against a trafficking in counterfeit goods charge?
The most common defense is lack of knowledge. The prosecution must prove you knew the trademark was counterfeit. Your lawyer may argue you were unaware, believed the goods were genuine, or that the evidence against you was obtained through an unlawful search.
How does the value of the goods affect my case?
The total retail value of the counterfeit items or the number of items directly determines whether you are charged with a second or third-degree crime. A higher alleged value leads to more severe penalties. Your attorney will scrutinize the prosecution’s valuation methods.
Should I speak to the police if I’m under investigation?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used to establish your knowledge of the counterfeit nature of the goods. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request to speak with a trafficking in counterfeit goods lawyer.
Related Practice Areas: NJ Fraud Defense Lawyer | NJ White Collar Crime Lawyer
Other Locations: Middlesex County Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods Lawyer | New Jersey Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
New Jersey law governs this practice area.
The same rules apply outside Mercer County, and our page on trafficking in counterfeit goods charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Mercer County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Mercer County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage (7th Vicinage), 175 South Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08650, telephone (609) 571-4200, 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 Mercer 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: Mercer 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.