Counterfeiting is a type of fraud. If you are charged with counterfeiting in Fort Worth, Texas, you should speak with a lawyer. A Fort Worth counterfeiting charges attorney at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers can defend your rights and explain your legal options.
If you are convicted, you could face a permanent record, jail time, and hefty fines. Our firm has over 60 years of combined experience helping people avoid these consequences. Call (682) 777-3336 or contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
How Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help If You Are Arrested for Counterfeiting in Fort Worth, TX
Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers defends clients at every step of the criminal process. We have spent over a decade protecting our clients’ due process rights.
When clients trust us to handle their counterfeiting cases in Fort Worth, we:
- Explain the charges and penalties
- File bond motions
- Review evidence and investigate when necessary
- File and argue pretrial motions
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a fair plea deal
- Speak on behalf of the client at all court hearings
- Go to trial and argue the case before a jury if necessary
Counterfeiting cases are highly technical, and the odds are that the prosecution is working hard to collect evidence against you. You don’t have time to waste. Call us to speak with a Fort Worth criminal defense attorney today.
What Is Counterfeiting?
Counterfeiting is a type of fraudulent crime. It usually involves creating fake currency or imitation items and attempting to pass them off as real. Counterfeiting can include forging currency, documents, or even trademarks.
Trademark Counterfeiting
Trademark counterfeiting is when a person:
- Manufactures
- Displays
- Advertises
- Distributes
- Offers for sale
- Sells
- Possess with the intent to sell, or
- Possesses with the intent to distribute,
An item or service with a counterfeit mark.
A counterfeit mark is a mark that is identical or indistinguishable from a protected trademark. For example, the Nike “swoosh” is a protected trademark. Creating a shirt with a fake Nike swoosh and selling it as Nike is trademark counterfeiting.
Trademark counterfeiting can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the goods or services.
Forgery
Forgery is a broader crime that includes counterfeiting a document or money. Forgery involves altering, making, completing, executing, or authenticating any writing with the intent to defraud.
It can be faking a signature, changing the date on an important document, or passing a copy of a fake or non-existent original. The charge can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the facts of the case.
Federal Counterfeiting Charges
In addition to state charges, you can also face federal counterfeiting charges. This includes counterfeiting currency and other government documents. Federal counterfeiting charges are extremely serious and can carry significant prison sentences. It’s imperative that you speak with a Fort Worth federal crimes lawyer if you’re facing federal charges.
What Is the Penalty for Counterfeiting?
The penalty for counterfeiting can include prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. The exact penalty depends on the charges and the facts of the case.
Trademark Counterfeiting
In Texas, trademark counterfeiting penalties are determined by the retail value of the item or service. The penalties range from a misdemeanor to a First-degree felony with the possibility of serious prison time.
Additionally, a person convicted of trademark counterfeiting can also face probation and a permanent criminal record.
Forgery
Similarly, forgery can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. This causes the penalty to fluctuate depending on the circumstances and purported value of the forged document. Higher values can lead to more severe charges, including third-degree felonies and even first-degree felonies.
Federal Counterfeiting
Federal counterfeiting is extremely serious. Anyone charged with federal counterfeiting should be concerned about the potential consequences. The penalty for counterfeiting currency, for example, can be up to 20 years in federal prison, while counterfeiting certain government documents, like a passport, can carry up to 25 years.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I Am Arrested for Counterfeiting?
There is hope if you are arrested for counterfeiting. You can raise a variety of defenses depending on the charge.
Some of the most common defenses include:
- Mistaken identity
- Lack of intent or knowledge of a forged or counterfeit trademark
- Lack of intent to defraud
- Unproven value of the good, service, or document
Some of these defenses can result in an acquittal (being found not guilty) or a reduction in the severity of the charge. Furthermore, you can always argue that there is insufficient evidence to convict. The prosecutor must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. If they fail to do so, you cannot be convicted.
Schedule a Case Evaluation With Our Fort Worth Counterfeiting Charges Attorneys
If you’re facing counterfeiting charges in Fort Worth, it’s crucial to act quickly and secure skilled legal representation. The experienced Fort Worth counterfeiting charges attorneys at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers are ready to evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and build a strong defense tailored to your situation. Schedule a confidential case evaluation today to protect your rights and begin the path toward resolving your case with confidence.
