Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods lawyer Baltimore County, MD

Federal charges for trafficking in counterfeit goods are prosecuted actively by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Maryland. If you are under investigation or have been indicted for violating 18 U.S.C. § 2320 — the federal statute that covers trafficking in counterfeit goods or services — you need an experienced defense attorney who understands federal court procedure, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and how to challenge evidence built by federal agencies. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in Baltimore County and throughout Maryland facing federal counterfeit goods charges. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined experience to federal criminal defense. For a confidential consultation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods Means in Baltimore County

Under 18 U.S.C. § 2320, it is a federal crime to intentionally traffic in goods or services that bear a counterfeit mark. The statute reaches manufacturing, distributing, importing, exporting, or selling counterfeit products — from luxury handbags and electronics to pharmaceuticals and automotive parts. Because the offense often involves interstate or international commerce, the case is investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, or the U.S. Secret Service. In Baltimore County, a person charged with this offense will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and will appear in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, which has divisions in Baltimore and Greenbelt.

The federal government treats counterfeit-goods trafficking as a serious economic crime. Investigations frequently involve search warrants, seizure of merchandise, and financial records analysis. The penalties upon conviction are severe — a defendant may face a substantial term of imprisonment, significant monetary fines, and forfeiture of counterfeit inventory, equipment, and personal assets connected to the offense. Because federal sentencing guidelines and statutory sentencing ranges apply, the stakes are high from the earliest stage of the case.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods Cases

Federal criminal defense requires a thorough understanding of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, federal pretrial procedure, and the government’s discovery obligations. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin by examining the indictment, the probable-cause affidavit, and the search-warrant materials to identify constitutional challenges — for example, whether the seizure of evidence complied with the Fourth Amendment, or whether a statement was obtained in violation of the right to counsel. In many federal counterfeit-goods cases, the defense also scrutinizes forensic evidence, expert testimony about product authenticity, and the financial tracing used to establish intent.

Pretrial motions may seek to suppress evidence, dismiss charges that are legally insufficient, or limit the scope of the government’s case. In parallel, the defense team engages with the Assistant U.S. Attorney to explore resolution possibilities — including the potential impact of acceptance of responsibility, cooperation, or safety-valve provisions that may reduce a guideline sentencing range. If trial is the appropriate course, the firm’s attorneys are prepared to litigate before a federal jury, cross-examine government witnesses, and present a defense grounded in the client’s specific factual circumstances. Throughout, the goal is to protect the client’s rights and work toward the most favorable outcome available under federal law.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He is a former prosecutor and has practiced criminal defense since founding the firm in 1997. Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His courtroom experience, combined with his prosecutorial background, informs the firm’s approach to federal defense in Baltimore County.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys complement Mr. Sris’s practice. Among them is a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted cases in Maryland’s District and Circuit Courts — insight that is valuable when evaluating the government’s case strategy and negotiating with federal prosecutors. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to federal criminal defense. The firm’s Maryland location serves clients in Baltimore County and across the state; all consultations are by appointment and can be scheduled by calling (888) 437-7747.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between state and federal charges for counterfeit goods?

Federal counterfeit-goods charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2320 are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, carry generally harsher sentencing guidelines, and there is no parole in the federal system. State-level counterfeit offenses are prosecuted by the local State’s Attorney in county courts and are typically subject to less severe sentencing ranges. Federal cases also involve federal investigative agencies and often have broader jurisdictional reach, especially when goods cross state lines or international borders. Because of these differences, early engagement with an attorney experienced in federal court is critical.

What is federal criminal court and how is it different in Maryland?

Federal criminal cases in Maryland are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Federal procedures, from initial appearance through sentencing, are governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. The penalties for federal counterfeiting offenses often include imprisonment, fines, and supervised release. The firm’s attorneys appear in the Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense — (888) 437-7747.

How do federal sentencing guidelines apply to trafficking in counterfeit goods?

Federal sentencing for counterfeit-goods trafficking at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate a guideline range based on the offense level and the defendant’s criminal history category. The guidelines consider factors such as the retail value of the counterfeit goods, whether the offense involved health or safety risks, and the sophistication of the operation. While the guidelines are advisory after United States v. Booker, they strongly influence the judge’s sentence. Mitigating factors — including acceptance of responsibility and substantial assistance — can reduce the guideline range. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer for charges in Baltimore County, Maryland?

Yes, you need an experienced federal defense lawyer immediately if you are under investigation or have been charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods in federal court. Federal cases are built by agencies such as the FBI, ICE, and the Secret Service with resources that vastly exceed those of state-level investigations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Maryland has a high conviction rate, and the federal sentencing guidelines often impose mandatory minimums or severe ranges. State-court experience does not automatically transfer to federal practice, where the procedural rules, discovery obligations, and pretrial detention standards are distinct. Early legal involvement can affect pretrial release, evidence preservation, and plea negotiations.

What should I do if I am contacted by federal agents about counterfeit goods?

Politely decline to answer questions and state that you wish to speak with an attorney. Federal agents — including FBI, ICE, or Secret Service — may approach you at your home, workplace, or by phone. Any statement you make can be used against you in a criminal prosecution. Do not consent to a search of your property, and do not provide documents or access to computers without first consulting with your lawyer. Contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your rights and to guide you through the next steps.

How does a lawyer defend against a federal trafficking in counterfeit goods charge?

Defense strategies in federal counterfeit-goods cases may include challenging the government’s evidence, examining whether the search and seizure complied with constitutional requirements, and negotiating with prosecutors for a reduced charge or sentence. An experienced attorney will scrutinize whether the alleged counterfeit marks are legally protected, whether there is proof of the defendant’s intent to traffic in such goods, and whether any statements were obtained in violation of Miranda or other procedural safeguards. The firm’s attorneys also evaluate whether a federal plea agreement — possibly including cooperation or safety-valve provisions — may serve the client’s interests better than proceeding to trial.

Primary Sources: Visit the official website of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The text of 18 U.S.C. § 2320 is available at the Legal Information Institute.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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