Counterfeiting

Counterfeiting Defense Attorney in Monmouth County

Facing Counterfeiting Charges? Our Team Can Help

Being investigated or charged with counterfeiting in Monmouth County causes immediate fear and uncertainty. You might worry about the possibility of jail, the impact on your livelihood, and how fast things can escalate. At a moment like this, having the right counterfeiting lawyer makes all the difference.

It is natural to feel pressure and confusion when questioned about counterfeit goods or funds. Choosing a counterfeiting defense attorney in Monmouth County who offers proven courtroom skill and personal compassion is the first important step. Our team has guided many people through the stress and legal complexity these accusations bring.

Our founder is a New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer, an accomplishment held by less than 2% of attorneys statewide. We prioritize your defense from the very beginning, providing personalized attention and a commitment to fight for your future. If you need answers right away, we are available to help you make informed decisions immediately.

Contact a certified Criminal Trial Lawyer for a free consultation with a dedicated counterfeiting defense attorney in Monmouth County. Call the Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo at (848) 207-2709 or fill out our secure online form.

Understanding New Jersey Counterfeiting Laws

Counterfeiting in New Jersey is primarily prosecuted under the Forgery statute and the Trademark Counterfeiting Act. Both are serious felonies (Indictable Crimes) adjudicated in the Monmouth County Superior Court in Freehold.

Forgery

This statute criminalizes creating or altering documents or instruments with the purpose of defrauding or injuring another. This section applies heavily to:

Counterfeit Currency: Creating or possessing fake U.S. currency.
Government Instruments: Forging licenses, permits, or official seals.
Checks and Securities: Altering checks, stocks, or bonds.
Grading and Penalties: Forgery involving money, securities, checks, or government instruments is typically a Third-Degree Crime, punishable by 3 to 5 years in state prison and fines up to $15,000.

Trademark Counterfeiting Act

This law targets the manufacture, distribution, or sale of counterfeit goods (knock-offs) bearing a protected trademark or logo.

Grading and Penalties (Based on Value/Quantity):

Fourth-Degree Crime: Fewer than 100 items, or retail value less than $1,000. Punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a fine up to $100,000.
Third-Degree Crime: 100 to 1,000 items, or retail value of $1,000$ to $15,000. Punishable by 3 to 5 years in state prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Second-Degree Crime: 1,000 or more items, or retail value over $15,000. Punishable by 5 to 10 years in state prison and a fine up to $500,000.

We recognize that the severity of the charge—and thus the potential prison time—hinges entirely on the State’s valuation of the allegedly counterfeit items.

The Monmouth County Indictable Crime Process

Counterfeiting and Forgery are felonies handled by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office and adjudicated exclusively in the Monmouth County Superior Court in Freehold.

Pre-Indictment and Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI): After arrest, the case is screened by the Prosecutor's Office. For eligible first-time offenders facing Third or Fourth-Degree charges, we aggressively advocate for Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI). PTI allows the defendant to complete a period of supervision, after which the charges are dismissed, and the offense can be expunged.
Grand Jury and Arraignment: If PTI is denied, the case is presented to the Grand Jury, which returns an Indictment. Our firm is highly experienced in preparing for this stage and guiding clients through the formal arraignment in Superior Court.
Discovery and Forensic Review: White-collar cases are document-heavy. We meticulously review financial records, computer forensics, and police reports. We also file motions to suppress evidence if the search warrant that led to the discovery of counterfeiting devices or materials was unlawfully obtained.
Trial Advocacy: As a certified Criminal Trial Lawyer, Carlos Diaz-Cobo possesses the courtroom skill required to successfully argue complex intent-based defenses to a jury. We are prepared to take your case to trial, challenging the State's witnesses and their interpretation of the evidence.

Defense Strategies to Fight Counterfeiting Charges

Successfully defending a Monmouth County counterfeiting lawyer case means attacking the State's ability to prove the most complex element: criminal intent.

Purpose to Defraud or Injure

This is the core of nearly every counterfeiting and forgery charge. The prosecution must prove you acted with the specific conscious object to deceive or cheat someone.

Our firm challenges this by arguing the items were created or possessed for non-deceptive purposes (e.g., as novelties, stage props, personal collection, or art) with no intent to pass them off as genuine for financial gain.

For Trademark Counterfeiting, we argue the items were crude copies or lacked major identifying characteristics, lending credence to the argument that they were not meant to deceive the average consumer.

Knowledge that the Item Was Forged/Counterfeit

The prosecution must prove you knew the item was counterfeit or forged.

For instance, if you were found merely possessing counterfeit money, we argue that you accepted it as legitimate and were an unwitting victim of the fraud, not the perpetrator.

Valuation and Quantity (Trademark Cases)

In cases involving counterfeit merchandise, the prosecution must accurately aggregate the retail value and quantity of items seized to justify the charge degree (Second, Third, or Fourth). We utilize expert testimony to challenge the State's calculation, often securing a crucial downgrade in the felony class.

Why Choose Us for Counterfeiting Defense in Monmouth County

When your freedom and reputation are on the line, experience, recognition, and responsiveness matter most. Our firm brings an uncommon level of criminal defense skill based on decades in New Jersey courtrooms.

Our founder has been named a Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney in New Jersey by the National Trial Lawyers Association, recognized as a Top Ten Criminal Defense Lawyer Nationwide, and awarded Criminal Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Middlesex County Bar Association.

We regularly represent clients in the Monmouth County Superior Court and federal cases that serve New Jersey. Our team works strategically and makes use of every legal resource to challenge the prosecution.

Located in Freehold, we are accessible for in-person meetings, and as one of the few Latino-led criminal defense teams in Monmouth County, we support Spanish-speaking clients. Every consultation with us is free, and we are prepared to guide you at any stage of your case.

What to Do if You’re Accused of Counterfeiting in Monmouth County

Being accused or arrested for counterfeiting in Monmouth County requires quick, wise action. Choices you make right now can seriously affect your case's outcome.

If you find yourself under investigation or arrested for counterfeiting in Monmouth County, take these steps:

Remain calm. Only discuss your case with your attorney.
Do not consent to searches or interviews without legal counsel, even if officers suggest cooperation will help you.
Document everything about your arrest or questioning, including times, places, and items officers seized.
Contact our office as soon as possible. Free consultations are available quickly—in person or by phone—so you get immediate support.
Avoid making statements online or to the media, as the prosecution can use these against you.

Early legal advice increases your options and reduces the risk of serious consequences. Our team is ready to help, explain next steps, and protect your interests before your first appearance in Monmouth County Superior Court or federal court.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Monmouth County Counterfeiting Defense Attorney

If you face counterfeiting allegations in Monmouth County, you do not have to face it alone. We combine courtroom skill, Supreme Court certification, and compassion for your unique situation. Our Freehold office is accessible, and we support both English and Spanish-speaking clients with thorough, timely representation.

Call (848) 207-2709 or reach out online for your free consultation and speak directly with an attorney who knows Monmouth County and federal court systems. Let us help you move forward with a clear plan. Answers and support are only a phone call away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered counterfeiting in Monmouth County?

Counterfeiting in Monmouth County includes making, possessing, or using an imitation of real currency, financial devices, or branded goods with intent to deceive or defraud. This can range from counterfeit cash to fake prescription medications or luxury products. New Jersey law views counterfeiting as a felony when there is intent or large value involved. Whether you face state or federal prosecution depends on several factors, including the amount and whether the crime crossed state lines. Our team can help you understand which parts of the law apply to your case.

Will I go to jail if I'm charged with counterfeiting?

There is a risk of jail time with counterfeiting charges, but it is not certain. Whether jail is a likely penalty depends on your case details, the amount and type of counterfeit items, and your criminal history. First-time or less severe offenses may result in alternatives such as probation. More serious or federal cases often involve prison terms if convicted. We guide clients through these risks and seek every available path to minimize penalties or avoid incarceration where possible.

How soon should I contact an attorney after a counterfeiting arrest?

You should contact a counterfeiting defense attorney in Monmouth County immediately after your arrest or if you learn you are being investigated. Reaching out quickly lets us protect your rights, reduce errors, and start your defense before evidence or deadlines are missed. Our consultations are confidential, immediate, and designed to answer your most urgent questions. Delays can make your case harder to defend.

Can you help with both state and federal counterfeiting cases?

Yes. We represent clients facing counterfeiting charges in all New Jersey state courts, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and even the United States Supreme Court. Counterfeiting often overlaps state and federal law, so an attorney experienced with both systems is important. We help you navigate exactly which courts and laws apply to your case and guide you through every step of the process.

Do you offer consultations in Spanish?

Yes. We are among the only criminal defense teams in Monmouth County with fluent Spanish speakers. Language should never be a barrier to your legal defense, so we offer consultations in Spanish. Let us know your preference when you call or visit our Freehold office, and we make sure you feel understood and supported throughout the process.

What happens at a free consultation?

During your free consultation, our team will listen carefully, review your case facts, and explain what charges and defenses could mean for you. You do not pay anything up front or commit at this stage. The consultation happens in person, over the phone, or virtually—whichever is most convenient for you. We use this first meeting to answer your urgent questions and map out your next steps with clarity and respect.

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