Criminal Defense Lawyers

What are the fines and penalties for Counterfeit Goods ?

The Harsh Reality of Counterfeit Goods: Fines and Penalties You Need to Know

At Spodek Law Group, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating consequences that can result from dealing with counterfeit goods. Whether you’re a business owner who unknowingly purchased fake merchandise or an individual caught up in a counterfeiting scheme, the legal ramifications can be severe.As experienced federal defense attorneys, we’re here to guide you through the complex world of counterfeit goods laws and help protect your rights. Let’s dive into the fines and penalties you could face for counterfeiting offenses.

The Legal Landscape of Counterfeiting

Counterfeiting is no joke in the eyes of the law. The federal government takes these crimes very seriously, viewing them as a threat to legitimate businesses, consumers, and the overall economy.Key laws that address counterfeiting include:

• The Trademark Counterfeiting Act of 1984
• The Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act
• The Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act

Under these statutes, both civil and criminal penalties can apply to those involved in producing, distributing, or selling counterfeit goods.

Hefty Fines That Could Bankrupt You

One of the harshest consequences of counterfeiting convictions are the astronomical fines that courts can impose. We’re talking potentially millions of dollars here, folks.For first-time offenders convicted of trafficking in counterfeit goods, fines can reach up to $2 million for individuals and $5 million for organizations. Repeat offenders face even steeper penalties – up to $5 million for individuals and a whopping $15 million for organizations.And don’t think you’re off the hook if you’re dealing with smaller quantities. Even possessing counterfeit goods with intent to sell can result in fines up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for organizations.

Prison Time That Could Change Your Life

Beyond the financial hit, counterfeiting convictions often come with significant prison sentences that can derail your entire future. We’ve seen clients face the following potential sentences:

• Up to 10 years in prison for first-time offenders
• Up to 20 years for repeat offenders
• Up to 30 years if the offense involves counterfeit military goods or services

Even “minor” counterfeiting crimes like trafficking in counterfeit labels or packaging can land you behind bars for up to 5 years.

Asset Forfeiture: Losing Everything You’ve Worked For

As if fines and prison time weren’t enough, the government can also seize assets connected to counterfeiting activities. This includes:

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2024-03-21

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2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

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Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

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2024-03-12

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2024-03-12

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2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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• Counterfeit goods themselves
• Equipment and materials used to produce counterfeits
• Vehicles used to transport fake merchandise
• Profits and proceeds from counterfeit sales

We’ve seen clients lose their homes, cars, and life savings through asset forfeiture in counterfeiting cases. It’s a devastating blow that can leave you starting from scratch.

Civil Penalties That Keep on Hurting

Beyond criminal sanctions, rights holders can pursue civil lawsuits against counterfeiters. These cases often result in:

• Injunctions prohibiting further infringement
• Monetary damages (up to $2 million per counterfeit mark)
• Attorney’s fees and court costs

Civil judgments can haunt you for years, garnishing wages and ruining your credit. Don’t underestimate the long-term impact of these penalties.

Real-World Consequences: A Cautionary Tale

To illustrate just how serious counterfeiting penalties can be, let’s look at a recent case we handled:Our client John* owned a small electronics shop. He thought he was getting a great deal on name-brand headphones from an overseas supplier. Turns out, the merchandise was counterfeit.When customs agents intercepted a shipment, John found himself facing federal charges for trafficking in counterfeit goods. Despite having no prior record, he was looking at:

• Up to 10 years in prison
• $2 million in fines
• Forfeiture of his business assets
• Civil lawsuits from the brand owners

Through aggressive defense strategies, we were able to negotiate John’s sentence down to 2 years probation and a $50,000 fine. But the experience still cost him his business and reputation.The lesson? Even unintentional involvement with counterfeits can have catastrophic consequences. Don’t take the risk.

How We Can Help Protect Your Rights

If you’re facing counterfeiting charges or under investigation, having an experienced federal defense attorney in your corner is crucial. At Spodek Law Group, we have a proven track record of defending clients against counterfeiting allegations.Our approach includes:

• Thoroughly investigating the charges against you
• Identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
• Negotiating with federal prosecutors for reduced charges/sentences
• Aggressively defending your rights in court if necessary
• Helping mitigate collateral consequences like asset forfeiture

We understand the nuances of federal counterfeiting laws and how to navigate the complex legal system. Let us put our expertise to work for you.

Don’t Wait – Get Help Now

The stakes are simply too high to face counterfeiting charges alone. If you’re under investigation or have been charged with a counterfeiting offense, contact Spodek Law Group immediately at 212-300-5196.Our experienced attorneys will review your case, explain your options, and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and freedom. Don’t let a counterfeiting conviction ruin your life – get the skilled legal representation you need today.Remember, the sooner you involve us in your case, the more we can do to help. Don’t delay – call now for a free consultation.