Counterfeiting Defense Attorney in Los Angeles

Skilled Legal Guidance & Support for Counterfeiting Charges From Our Torrance Office

Concerns about counterfeiting charges can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the criminal justice system in Los Angeles, Torrance or Los Angeles County. At the Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey, we use our first-hand knowledge of local prosecution processes and an extensive background in courtroom defense to support and guide clients under investigation or arrest for alleged counterfeiting.

We understand that every counterfeiting case brings unique facts and varying levels of evidence. Our approach involves a careful review of your situation along with any documentation or records tied to the charge. Because we have managed thousands of criminal cases in Southern California, we know how local authorities and prosecutors operate, and we put that understanding to work for you from the outset.

If you are facing counterfeiting charges in California, your reputation and freedom are at risk. Contact an experienced counterfeiting defense attorney in Los Angeles immediately—Call (310) 695-1118 or reach out online for immediate, confidential consultation.

Understanding California Counterfeiting Laws

The term counterfeiting covers two distinct areas in California law, both of which require proof of criminal intent to secure a conviction. As your Los Angeles counterfeiting defense lawyer, we assess which statute the prosecution is relying upon.

1. Counterfeiting Goods/Trademarks (Penal Code § 350)

This offense involves the unauthorized replication of marks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or the Secretary of State.

• The Crime: Willfully manufacturing, intentionally selling, or knowingly possessing for sale any counterfeit of a registered trademark (e.g., fake purses, apparel, electronics).
• Wobbler Status: This is a "wobbler." If the offense involves 1,000 or more counterfeit items or has a retail value over $950, it can be charged as a felony punishable by up to three years in prison and massive fines.

2. Counterfeiting Documents/Currency (Penal Code §§ 470 & 475)

This falls under the broader definition of Forgery and deals with financial instruments and documents.

• PC 470 (Forgery): Falsely making, altering, forging, or possessing items like checks, bonds, money orders, or government seals with the intent to defraud.
• PC 475 (Possession of Counterfeit Items): Knowingly possessing or receiving forged, altered, or counterfeit items (like checks or money orders) with the intent to pass them and defraud another person.

The key common element across all counterfeiting statutes is the intent to defraud or deceive for financial or property gain.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Counterfeiting Convictions in the Los Angeles Area

Counterfeiting convictions in California can lead to incarceration in state prison and severe financial penalties, making the intervention of a skilled Los Angeles counterfeiting defense lawyer vital.

Direct Penalties

• Felony PC 350 (Counterfeit Marks): Up to three years in prison and fines up to $500,000 for individuals (or $1 million for businesses).
• Felony PC 470/475 (Forgery/Counterfeiting): Up to three years in state prison and maximum fines of $10,000.
• Misdemeanor: Up to one year in county jail and fines.

Collateral Consequences

• Asset Forfeiture: The court may order the forfeiture and destruction of all counterfeit items, manufacturing machines, and potentially vehicles used in the commission of the crime.
• Professional Licensing: Convictions for crimes of dishonesty are a primary cause for the suspension or revocation of professional licenses (e.g., real estate, finance, law, medical).
• Immigration: Counterfeiting is typically classified as a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT), which can lead to deportation for non-citizens.
• Restitution: Mandatory repayment of all financial losses suffered by the victims (including corporations or trademark holders).

Our Comprehensive Approach to Counterfeiting Defense

Our firm combines unparalleled credentials with unwavering support: we are former prosecutors, we offer 24/7 availability, and we are Certified Criminal Law Specialists. This ensures that your defense is guided by specialized knowledge and is available to you at any time.

Defense strategies we utilize as a leading Los Angeles counterfeiting defense lawyer:

• Mistake of Fact (Lack of Knowledge): Arguing the defendant genuinely believed the goods, documents, or currency were authentic, thereby defeating the required "knowledge" element.
• Lack of Specific Intent to Defraud: Proving that the act was not motivated by the specific intent to deceive for gain, but was rather a mistake in business judgment or financial oversight.
• Challenging Valuation: Arguing the retail value of the goods is below the $950 felony threshold (for PC 350) or that the financial loss is mitigated, securing a reduction in the severity of the charge.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: Aggressively pursuing the suppression of physical evidence and electronic data obtained through unlawful means.

Why Choose Our Counterfeiting Defense Lawyers in Los Angeles?

Hiring the right counterfeiting defense attorney in Los Angeles can directly affect your outcome. At Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey, we pair significant local experience with a highly personalized approach. Pat Carey, a former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney, guides our team with meaningful insight into how prosecutors pursue counterfeiting and other fraud-related cases. 

With over 7,000 criminal cases and 65 jury trials, our firm is equipped to manage complex situations, anticipate legal challenges, and communicate clearly with clients each step of the way.

Pat's recognition as a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist—a credential held by fewer than 400 attorneys in California—shows a unique commitment and level of accomplishment in criminal defense. We provide responsive service, clear answers, and 24/7 availability, supported by our knowledge of both local and federal procedures throughout the South Bay. 

Technology-driven solutions and established relationships in the Los Angeles County legal community allow us to provide practical options and experienced guidance to clients facing alleged counterfeiting offenses.

Our Process & What to Expect from Your Los Angeles Defense Team

• Initial confidential consultation: We review every detail, answer your immediate questions, and explain potential consequences specific to counterfeiting in Torrance and Los Angeles County courts.
• Thorough analysis: Our team investigates the facts, examines documentation, and identifies the strategies that may support your case based on local procedures and available evidence.
• Direct communication: You receive clear updates and honest guidance about your situation. Should new information arise, we respond quickly and adapt accordingly.
• Negotiation and advocacy: Drawing from Pat Carey's extensive trial experience, we engage with prosecutors and, when appropriate, seek reductions or alternatives that make sense for your best interests.
• Personalized representation: We customize every step to reflect your needs, using established relationships and our knowledge of Los Angeles County court practices to maximize your chances for a favorable result.

Throughout your case, we maintain close communication, so you always understand what will happen next. You will not be left wondering about court dates, legal language, or your case status.

Connect with a Counterfeiting Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles

If you face counterfeiting allegations in Los Angeles or surrounding communities, start protecting your rights now. Contact Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey for a private consultation, where you'll receive straightforward guidance tailored to your circumstances and timely advice backed by a track record of success in local courts. We respond quickly—day or night—to your concerns and your need for reliable insight. 

Protect your future by working with a local team that knows Los Angeles County courts and values your peace of mind. Call us at (310) 695-1118 or reach out online to begin your defense journey today.

FAQs

What happens after an arrest for counterfeiting in Los Angeles County?

After an arrest, law enforcement typically books you into a local facility — such as the Torrance Police Department or the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Information Center — where you're fingerprinted and photographed. From there, prosecutors evaluate the case to determine whether it will proceed as a state or federal matter, which affects where you'll be arraigned and what penalties you could face.

• Booking and pre-trial release: Depending on the circumstances, you may be held in custody or released before your arraignment, either on bail set according to the county's bail schedule or on your own recognizance (OR).
• State charges: If the case involves counterfeit goods, trademark violations, or forged documents/checks, it typically falls under California Penal Code § 350 (counterfeit goods) or § 470 (forgery), and is handled by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. Your arraignment would generally take place in a local courthouse — such as the Torrance Courthouse if that's where the case is filed — where the court reads the charges and sets bail conditions. These offenses are "wobblers," meaning they can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the dollar value involved and the scope of the operation.
• Federal charges: If the counterfeiting involves U.S. currency, the case shifts to federal jurisdiction under 18 U.S.C. § 471, typically investigated by agencies like the U.S. Secret Service. In that case, your arraignment would be in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California rather than a local courthouse.
• Penalties: A state conviction can lead to county jail time, probation, and fines. A federal conviction is generally far more severe, with sentences of up to 20 years in federal prison plus substantial fines and restitution to victims.

Are counterfeiting charges handled by state or federal authorities?

Counterfeiting can be charged under California law or federal statutes, often depending on the facts. Cases involving large sums, interstate activity, or federal property may be handled by agencies like the Secret Service or the Department of Justice. Many local cases remain within the Los Angeles Superior Court.

What are the potential penalties for counterfeiting in California?

Penalties vary based on the specific offense, amount involved, and prior history. Counterfeiting charges in California can result in jail or prison time, fines, probation, and a criminal record that affects employment and licensing.

How can legal representation make a difference?

A knowledgeable lawyer helps assess the government’s evidence, identifies possible legal issues or rights violations, and advocates for your best interest through negotiation or trial if needed. Early intervention often improves your options.

What should I bring to my first consultation?

Gather any documents related to your case—such as citation paperwork, court notices, or law enforcement materials—so we can review all relevant details together and provide specific advice during your meeting.

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