Somerset County Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Trafficking in counterfeit goods in Somerset County is a serious state and federal offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-32 and the federal Lanham Act, carrying severe penalties. If you are facing these charges, you need a strong legal defense. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a case-specific approach to defend against trademark fraud and counterfeit goods allegations.
Understanding Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods Charges in New Jersey
The New Jersey statute, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-32, defines trafficking in counterfeit goods as the intentional manufacture, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of goods or services bearing a counterfeit mark. A “counterfeit mark” is a spurious trademark, service mark, or trade name that is identical to or substantially indistinguishable from a genuine mark registered in New Jersey or with the USPTO. The law targets the economic harm caused by trademark fraud, which undermines legitimate businesses and can pose consumer safety risks.
Last verified: April 2026 | Somerset County Superior Court | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997, our firm has extensive experience in serious criminal defense matters. Our founder, a former prosecutor, understands the strategies used by the state to build these cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the New Jersey statute, you can review N.J.S.A. 2C:21-32 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For information on court procedures in Somerset County, visit the Somerset County Superior Court website.
Local Court Process for Counterfeit Goods Cases in Somerset County
Cases involving trafficking in counterfeit goods in Somerset County are typically prosecuted as indictable crimes (felonies) and begin in the Superior Court, Law Division – Criminal Part. The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office handles these investigations, which often involve cooperation with federal agencies like Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). An experienced counterfeit goods defense lawyer Somerset County can handle this process.
- Arrest or Summons: You may be arrested or receive a summons to appear in court following an investigation.
- First Appearance & Detention Hearing: The court will advise you of the charges and your rights. For serious charges, the state may seek to detain you pending trial.
- Pre-Indictment Phase: Your attorney can engage in early discussions with the prosecutor to review evidence and potentially negotiate a resolution before a formal indictment.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The case is presented to a grand jury. If indicted, it proceeds in Superior Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your lawyer will file motions to challenge evidence and obtain all discovery from the state.
- Trial or Disposition: The case will either proceed to a jury trial or be resolved through a negotiated plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods
In Somerset County, trafficking in counterfeit goods is a second-degree crime if the retail value of the goods exceeds $1,000, carrying severe penalties including state prison time.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value > $1,000 | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years in state prison | Up to $150,000 | Restitution to trademark owner, forfeiture of goods and equipment. |
| Value ≤ $1,000 | Third-Degree Crime | 3-5 years in state prison | Up to $15,000 | Restitution, potential civil lawsuits from trademark holders. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Intellectual Property Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have handled numerous cases involving allegations of trademark fraud and intellectual property crimes. Our approach involves a detailed examination of the prosecution’s evidence, including the methods used to authenticate the alleged counterfeit goods and the validity of the underlying trademark claims. We understand that a trademark fraud charge lawyer Somerset County must be prepared to challenge both the factual and legal basis of the allegations.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of advocating for clients facing serious charges. While every case is unique, our goal is always to seek a favorable outcome, whether through negotiation for reduced charges or an aggressive defense at trial. We have successfully challenged the state’s valuation of goods, argued for the suppression of improperly obtained evidence, and negotiated alternatives to incarceration for clients charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Somerset County Location
If you are under investigation or have been charged, time is critical. Our firm offers 24/7 phone consultations. Our legal team serves clients throughout Somerset County, including in Bridgewater, Somerville, Hillsborough, and Franklin Township. We are familiar with the local courts and prosecutors.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a counterfeit good and a generic good?
It depends. A generic good does not bear a trademark at all. A counterfeit good bears a fake trademark intended to deceive buyers into believing it is the genuine, branded product. The intent to deceive is a key element of the crime of trafficking in counterfeit goods.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know the goods were counterfeit?
Yes. Under New Jersey law, knowledge or intent is a required element, but prosecutors can use circumstantial evidence to argue you “should have known” based on price, quality, or the source of the goods. A strong defense often focuses on challenging the proof of this knowledge.
Are these charges state or federal?
They can be both. New Jersey has its own strong statutes, and federal agencies frequently get involved, especially in larger operations. You could face parallel state and federal prosecutions, which makes having an attorney experienced in both systems essential.
What should I do if I am contacted by law enforcement about counterfeit goods?
Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request an attorney. Do not consent to any searches. Anything you say can be used to establish the “knowledge” element of the crime. Contact a trafficking in counterfeit goods lawyer Somerset County immediately.
What defenses are available?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge, challenging the authenticity of the trademark, arguing the goods are “gray market” or parallel imports (which may be legal), improper search and seizure, and insufficient evidence of the goods’ retail value.
For related legal assistance, you may also consider our pages on Federal Criminal Defense in New Jersey or White Collar Crime Defense. To see how we handle similar charges in other areas, visit our page for a trafficking in counterfeit goods lawyer Bergen County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.
New Jersey law governs this practice area.
If you want to see how a Somerset County case fits into the wider process, our page on trafficking in counterfeit goods lawyer New Jersey covers it from start to finish.
Your case in Somerset County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Somerset County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage (13th Vicinage), 20 North Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ 08876, telephone (908) 231-7000, 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 Somerset 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: Somerset 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.