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Fighting Federal Counterfeiting Charges in the Southern District of New York
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Fighting Federal Counterfeiting Charges in the Southern District of New York
Being charged with federal counterfeiting crimes in the Southern District of New York can be scary. The potential penalties are severe, and the federal prosecutors have a lot of resources. But with an experienced defense attorney on your side, you can fight the charges and work toward the best possible outcome.
The Southern District of New York (SDNY) takes counterfeiting very seriously. In November 2022, the SDNY announced its largest-ever seizure of nearly $1 billion in counterfeit luxury goods [2]. Raids on storage facilities turned up fake handbags, clothes, shoes, and other items.
The SDNY has a whole Counterfeit Pharmaceutical and Consumer Frauds Unit dedicated to investigating fake goods cases. They work closely with agencies like Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and New York Police Department (NYPD) [3].
If you’re being investigated for counterfeiting, federal agents may raid your home or business, seize computers and documents through search warrants, or arrest you. It’s critical to hire a lawyer quickly to help guide you through the investigation and protect your rights.
Understanding the Consequences
If convicted of federal counterfeiting charges, you’re facing severe punishments like:
- Up to 10 years in federal prison per offense
- Large fines up to $2 million for individuals or $5 million for companies per offense
- Asset forfeiture – having property and money seized
- Supervised release after prison
- Harm to your reputation, finances, and livelihood
However, an attorney may be able to get charges dismissed or reduced, minimize sentencing guidelines, and argue for alternatives to prison like home confinement. The earlier you engage a lawyer, the more tools they have to build a strong defense.
Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Case
Fighting complex federal charges requires an experienced defense lawyer familiar with SDNY courts and prosecutors. Look for an attorney with a proven track record handling counterfeiting and fraud cases. It’s important they understand the technical elements of the charges and the tools prosecutors use.
The defense will likely involve investigations, negotiating with prosecutors, and even going to trial. So your lawyer’s litigation skills are key. Be sure to personally connect with the attorney and ensure they will vigorously defend your rights and freedom.
The SDNY has a dedicated Counterfeit Pharmaceutical and Consumer Frauds Unit prosecuting these cases [5]. So you need an attorney used to facing these prosecutors. Don’t take chances with your defense – hire the best lawyer you can afford.
Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights
If you believe you are being investigated or may face charges for counterfeiting, it’s critical to act quickly. Law enforcement may raid your home or business without warning and seize potential evidence. Early intervention by a defense lawyer can help minimize disruption and damage.
Don’t wait to connect with an attorney – the earlier the better. An experienced lawyer can engage with investigators, advocate for you during questioning, guide you on providing information, and defend your property and liberties. This can make a huge difference in the investigation and any resulting charges.
Facing federal criminal prosecution is scary. But an aggressive defense lawyer levels the playing field. Rely on their experience fighting the United States government – and work closely together to achieve the best resolution possible.
Citations
[1] https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/largest-ever-counterfeit-goods-seizures-result-trafficking-charges-against-two
[2] https://www.ntd.com/new-york-authorities-seize-1-billion-of-counterfeit-goods_954880.html
[3] https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/16/us/manhattan-counterfeit-goods-seized/index.html
[4] https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/authorities-new-york-made-largest-seizure-knock-off-104932754
[5] https://6abc.com/nyc-crime-manhattan-counterfeit-goods-seized-largest-ever/14069681/