The market for counterfeit goods can involve unsuspecting individuals or businesses being unaware that the goods they have bought for stock may be counterfeit.
An allegation of supplying counterfeit goods or conspiracy to supply counterfeit goods needs to be defended robustly.
Any investigation involving counterfeit goods will be thorough and may involve a number of investigating authorities, such as the Serious Crime Office, Trading Standards, Federation against Copyright Theft and HMRC.
Investigations involving counterfeit goods or counterfeit money are extremely intrusive and stressful for suspects. Taking advice from a specialist fraud solicitor is vital to ensure that errors and misjudgements are not made, which may later prejudice the outcome for a suspect or defendant if the case goes to trial.
Counterfeiting charges may involve high-end brands, selling fake or pirated DVDs, CDs, toys, electrical items, jewellery, perfume, clothing, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, chemicals, pharmaceuticals or cosmetics.
In cases where a consumer has sustained injury from a counterfeit item, a supplier may also face additional charges.
Counterfeiting charges can be complex and carry lengthy custodial sentences, requiring expert legal representation.
Duncan Lewis fraud solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving counterfeit goods and can liaise with agencies involved in fraud investigations, including:
Duncan Lewis' Crime department has been recognised as a Top Tier and recommended criminal defence practice by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 edition for its General Crime and Fraud work.
Our fraud solicitors have acknowledged expertise in case building based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system and the ability to assemble compelling evidence and documentation in counterfeit goods cases.
Our lawyers are able to represent clients at police stations, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, and the Court of Appeal. The team also includes highly experienced Higher Court Advocates with a background in conducting serious fraud cases.
There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales and our fraud lawyers can usually reach a client at a police station or court within 45 minutes to advise on charges relating to counterfeit goods.
We aim for the best possible outcome for clients facing counterfeiting and copyright theft charges – call us during office hours on 0333 772 0409 for expert legal advice on counterfeit goods allegations or charges.
For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 0333 772 0607.
We advise clients who are facing counterfeit goods charges, or who may be interviewed in relation to copyright theft allegations, to contact us as soon as possible.
Our fraud solicitors can advise even before a charge for counterfeit goods is brought, and a solicitor from our specialist fraud department can attend a police station fraud interview conducted by the police, Serious Fraud Office or HMRC.
Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid criminal defence services. Legal Aid is means tested and may only be available in certain circumstances, our team can advise further on this at the initial client meeting.
In cases where a client may not be eligible for Legal Aid, we offer competitively priced fee levels for private client representation – with fixed fees and advance notice of any costs whenever possible.
In some criminal cases, ‘after the event’ (ATE) insurance may be an option and our lawyers will advise on an appropriate level of insurance to cover the potential costs of defending a criminal case and to pay any costs imposed by the court.
Call Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors to discuss counterfeit goods allegations or charges on 0333 702 0409.