Salem County Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Trafficking in counterfeit goods in Salem County is a serious offense prosecuted under both state and federal law, carrying severe penalties including substantial fines and imprisonment. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for individuals and businesses accused of trademark fraud and related charges. Our team understands the detailed legal field surrounding intellectual property crimes in New Jersey and federal courts.
Understanding the Law on Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods
Trafficking in counterfeit goods involves the intentional sale, distribution, or possession with intent to sell goods that bear a counterfeit trademark. In New Jersey, this is often prosecuted under the state’s theft by deception and trademark counterfeiting statutes, while federal charges typically fall under the Trademark Counterfeiting Act (18 U.S.C. § 2320). These laws are designed to protect intellectual property rights and consumers from fraudulent products. The firm’s founder, a former prosecutor, brings a critical understanding of how these cases are built by the government.
Last verified: April 2026 | Salem County Superior Court | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New Jersey’s laws related to fraud and deceptive business practices, you can review the New Jersey Statutes. Information on court procedures and filings for Salem County can be found on the New Jersey Courts website.
Local Defense Strategy for Salem County
Defending against a trafficking in counterfeit goods charge requires a detailed examination of the evidence and the intent behind the actions. In Salem County, cases may be heard in the Superior Court, and the prosecution must prove you knowingly trafficked in goods you knew bore a counterfeit mark. A common defense involves challenging the knowledge element or the authenticity of the alleged counterfeit. For a trademark fraud charge, a lawyer Salem County relies on must scrutinize the validity of the trademark registration and the comparison between the goods.
- Secure immediate legal representation before making any statements to law enforcement or investigators.
- Your attorney will conduct a thorough discovery review of all evidence, including seized goods and financial records.
- A defense strategy is developed, which may involve motions to suppress evidence or challenging the prosecution’s proof of intent.
- Your lawyer will engage in negotiations with prosecutors, which could lead to reduced charges or alternative resolutions.
- If necessary, prepare for a trial where the defense will rigorously challenge the state’s case.
Potential Penalties for Counterfeit Goods Offenses
In Salem County, trafficking in counterfeit goods can be charged as either a crime of the second, third, or fourth degree in New Jersey, with federal charges carrying even more severe consequences.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State (2nd Degree) | Crime of the 2nd Degree | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Restitution, forfeiture of assets |
| State (3rd Degree) | Crime of the 3rd Degree | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Restitution, civil liability |
| Federal (18 U.S.C. § 2320) | Felony | Up to 10 years (first offense) | Up to $2 million (individual) | Asset forfeiture, permanent record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. operates on the principle of “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience handling state and federal cases. We approach each trafficking in counterfeit goods case with a strategic focus on the specific details and evidence, aiming to protect your rights and achieve a favorable result.
Our Approach to Your Case
We begin every case with a meticulous review. For a trafficking in counterfeit goods charge, this means analyzing purchase records, supplier communications, and the physical evidence. We work with professionals, including trademark examiners and forensic accountants, to challenge the prosecution’s claims. Our goal is to cast doubt on the required element of willful intent or to negotiate a resolution that avoids the most severe penalties.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Salem County Defense Team
Our firm is positioned to defend clients throughout Salem County. If you are under investigation or have been charged, contact us for a confidential case review.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered “trafficking” in counterfeit goods?
Yes. Trafficking generally means to sell, distribute, or possess with the intent to sell counterfeit items. This includes both physical goods and, increasingly, digital products sold online. Merely owning a counterfeit item for personal use typically does not constitute trafficking under the law.
Can I face both state and federal charges for the same counterfeit goods?
It depends. Yes, you can be charged under both state and federal laws for the same conduct, as they are separate sovereigns. This is known as “dual sovereignty.” However, prosecutors often coordinate, and one jurisdiction may defer to the other based on the scale of the operation and the resources involved.
What are common defenses to a trademark fraud charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge (you didn’t know the goods were counterfeit), mistake of fact, entrapment, or challenging the validity of the trademark itself. A counterfeit goods defense lawyer Salem County trusts will investigate whether the trademark was properly registered and if the alleged counterfeit is substantially indistinguishable from the genuine mark.
What should I do if law enforcement seizes my inventory?
Do not make any statements. Immediately contact an attorney. Your lawyer can file motions to challenge the legality of the search and seizure and to seek the return of property if your rights were violated. Acting quickly is essential to preserve your legal options.
Is restitution always required in these cases?
No, but it is very common. If convicted, the court will often order you to pay restitution to the trademark holder for their estimated losses. The amount can be hotly contested, and an experienced attorney can work to minimize this financial liability during sentencing negotiations.
Salem County cases follow the same route as the rest of the state, and our page on trafficking in counterfeit goods cases in New Jersey explains each stage.
Salem is one part of a wider practice, and our page on trafficking in counterfeit goods lawyer Virginia covers the process from start to finish.
Your case in Salem County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Salem County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Salem Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 92 Market Street, Salem, NJ 08079, telephone (856) 878-5050, 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 Salem 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: Salem 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.