Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers | June 9, 2025 | Federal Charges
Fake designer handbags, knockoff sneakers, and imitation electronics may seem harmless on the surface. However, under Texas law, possessing counterfeit merchandise with the intent to sell or produce it is a crime. Depending on the circumstances, you could be facing jail time, steep fines, and a criminal record that follows you for years to come.
If you’re being investigated or charged, it’s important to understand how Texas handles these offenses and what steps you can take to protect yourself from federal charges.
What Counts as Counterfeit Merchandise?
In Texas, counterfeit goods are defined as products made to look like authentic brand-name items but are actually unauthorized imitations. These items often use a company’s logo, name, or design without permission, with the goal of misleading buyers into believing they are real.
Common examples of counterfeit merchandise include:
- Imitation luxury goods like handbags, shoes, or clothing
- Electronics or accessories made to resemble name-brand products
- Fake beauty products or medications
- Any product that uses a protected trademark without approval
It does not matter if the items were sold at a flea market, online, or out of someone’s car. If they are fake and you are involved in selling, producing, or possessing (with the intent to sell) them, you could be charged under Texas criminal law.
How Texas Penalizes Counterfeit Crimes
The penalties for counterfeit merchandise depend on the total value of the goods involved and the role the accused person played. Even small-dollar cases are taken seriously, but the charges become more severe as the value increases.
For example, someone who sells a few counterfeit shirts may be charged with a misdemeanor. However, someone with a warehouse full of fake goods could face felony charges, especially if there is evidence of large-scale distribution or fraud.
In general, items and services up to $2,500 may lead to misdemeanor charges, whereas higher-value cases can be charged as felonies with possible prison time. The state may also consider whether you acted knowingly or tried to deceive buyers.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
Facing charges for counterfeit merchandise can be overwhelming, but an experienced defense attorney can make a major difference in how your case is resolved. These cases often involve questions about your intent, the legality of searches, and whether the evidence supports the charges.
A skilled lawyer will begin by reviewing the facts of your case. If police conducted an illegal search or did not have proper authority to seize the merchandise, your attorney may be able to get key evidence thrown out. In other cases, your lawyer may argue that you had no knowledge that the goods were fake, which might apply, for instance, if you were reselling items that came from another source.
Even if the evidence is strong, a criminal defense attorney may be able to negotiate a more favorable outcome. This might include reduced charges, alternative sentencing options like probation, or entry into a diversion program that could eventually lead to dismissal of the case.
Contact a Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer Right Away
Just because you have been charged with possessing or selling counterfeit merchandise does not mean you are guilty. However, waiting too long to take action can put you in a worse position. These cases can move quickly, and prosecutors push for serious consequences whenever they can.
If you are facing counterfeit merchandise charges in Texas, do not wait to get legal help. Set up a free consultation with an attorney at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers today.
For more information, please contact the Federal Crimes law firm of Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers for a consultation. Give us a call at (682) 777-3336 or visit our convenient location:
We serve the surrounding areas of Tarrant County and Fort Worth, TX.
Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers
604 E 4th St Ste 101
Fort Worth, TX 76102