Stamford Counterfeiting Lawyer
If you have been arrested in Stamford Connecticut for possessing counterfeit goods or currency, you should take the charges against you very seriously. Counterfeiting is punished severely under Connecticut law, and often implicates harsh federal statutes as well.
While even possessing counterfeit goods can get you arrested in certain cases, there are ways to defend yourself. A Stamford counterfeiting lawyer will have experience defending clients accused of many different types of counterfeiting charges, and can help you understand the charges against you so you are best able to advocate for your freedom and possibly a clean record.
What Are The Various Forms of Counterfeiting?
The term counterfeiting can refer to many different criminal acts. Not only is it illegal to print fake money, but it is also illegal to produce counterfeit goods and products, such as fake name brand handbags, or watches. Counterfeiting is a specific type of forgery involving the manufacture of fake money in the form of securities, stamps, stocks, bonds, or other written instruments issued by the government. A Stamford counterfeiting attorney will best be able to determine the classification of a specific charge.
What Is Counterfeiting Through The Manufacture of Goods or Merchandise?
Counterfeiting can also occur through the manufacture of goods or merchandise that falsely bear a manufacturer’s label. It is against the law in Connecticut to manufacture counterfeit goods, either by affixing a manufacturer’s label to an item not actually produced by that company, or by packaging a product in a manufacturer’s trademarked packaging, but also to sell counterfeit goods.
The law requires that a person knowingly selling goods or merchandise that is not in truth the brand it is labeled must disclose this fact to their customers. A conviction for selling or dealing in manufactured goods in Connecticut can result in a prison sentence of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
The potential fines that may be levied for a counterfeiting offense are a policy choice by Connecticut lawmakers which contemplate and give credence to the investment of major manufacturers in the resources they invest in branding and trademarked designs.
It is important to note that whether criminal charges involve counterfeit money or counterfeit goods, someone arrested in Connecticut for counterfeiting can in some cases be convicted merely for the possession of these items. It is illegal to possess counterfeit goods or money with the intent to use them to defraud others.
Without an experienced Stamford counterfeiting lawyer, defendants who unknowingly obtained counterfeit items can face serious charges merely for having these types of objects in their possession.
Benefits of an Attorney
Depending on what type of counterfeit item is at issue, even the mere possession of counterfeit goods can lead to serious consequences. Counterfeiting currency or monetary written instruments constitutes the most serious type of felony forgery offense punishable under Connecticut law, and can result in prison sentences of up to ten years in duration.
Selling or even merely possessing counterfeit goods or merchandise can also result in lengthy prison sentences. A conviction for dealing in or manufacturing counterfeit merchandise or goods can result in fines of up to $250,000. While these types of crimes are prosecuted in Connecticut, there are ways to avoid conviction with experienced legal help.
A Stamford counterfeiting lawyer who understands the legal elements that must be established by the prosecution will often be able to help their clients avoid harsh sentences.
Contacting a Lawyer
If you find yourself facing the serious potential penalties that come with counterfeit charges, it is in your best interests to obtain defense counsel immediately. A Stamford Counterfeiting lawyer can help you avoid a conviction regardless of the circumstances leading to your possession of counterfeit items.