Counterfeiting Defense Attorney in Miami
Facing Counterfeiting Charges in Miami? Our Team Can Help
If you or a loved one is accused of counterfeiting in Miami, the experience can be frightening and stressful. Counterfeiting allegations come with serious consequences, and even being investigated could jeopardize your reputation, career, and relationships.
At Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A., we know how difficult it is to face these challenges alone. From the moment you contact us, we make it our priority to help you understand your rights and options within Miami-Dade’s criminal justice system.
Led by attorney Armando J. Hernandez, a former Miami-Dade prosecutor, our boutique approach means every client receives focused care and strategic guidance. If you need a counterfeiting defense attorney in Miami, our team is ready to fight for you at every step.
Common counterfeiting allegations our clients face include:
- Making or possessing fake currency or coins
- Altering or forging checks or financial documents
- Producing or selling counterfeit merchandise or branded goods
- Creating or using false identification cards
- Passing off counterfeit credit cards or payment instruments
Contact our counterfeiting defense attorney in Miami. With an exclusive focus on Criminal Defense and over 20 years of experience, we are available 24/7 to start your defense. Call (305) 400-0074 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Understanding Counterfeiting Laws in Florida
Florida law addresses counterfeiting through several statutes, primarily found in Chapter 831 of the Florida Statutes. While most people associate "counterfeiting" with fake money, the law covers a vast array of activities involving the falsification of documents, labels, and payment instruments.
As your Miami counterfeiting lawyer, we must determine whether you are being charged under state statutes or if the federal government is asserting jurisdiction.
- Forgery and Counterfeiting Public Records (§ 831.01): This involves falsely making, altering, or counterfeiting documents like deeds, wills, or court records with the intent to defraud.
- Counterfeiting Private Labels (§ 831.032): It involves forging or counterfeiting a trademark or service mark on goods intended for sale.
- Counterfeit Payment Instruments (§ 831.28): It is illegal to counterfeit checks, drafts, or other payment instruments with the intent to defraud a financial institution or person.
- Counterfeit Controlled Substances (§ 831.31): This unique statute applies to the manufacture or sale of substances that are falsely labeled as controlled substances, often used in undercover stings.
- Uttering Forged Instruments (§ 831.02): This charge applies when a person passes, publishes, or "utters" a counterfeit document as true, knowing it to be false.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Counterfeiting in Florida
The penalties for counterfeiting are designed to be punitive and deterrent. Depending on the scale of the operation and the value of the goods, you may face:
- Third-Degree Felony: Up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Second-Degree Felony: Up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- First-Degree Felony: Up to 30 years in prison (typically reserved for large-scale operations or those involving serious bodily injury).
- Civil Fines: Under § 831.032, the court can fine you up to three times the retail value of the goods seized.
- Restitution: You will be ordered to pay back the trademark owners or victims for their financial losses and investigative costs.
Collateral Consequences: A counterfeiting conviction is considered a "crime of dishonesty." This makes it nearly impossible to maintain professional licenses in finance, law, or healthcare. It also triggers severe immigration consequences for non-citizens, including mandatory deportation for "aggravated felonies" involving losses over $10,000.
Our Approach to Defending Counterfeiting Cases in Miami
Every counterfeiting case has its own unique set of facts and challenges.
Our Defense Process
Our defense approach always begins with a thorough assessment of your situation, followed by a tailored legal strategy that takes into account Miami’s specific court procedures and law enforcement practices.
- Examining how evidence was obtained, including potential Fourth Amendment issues
- Investigating the reliability of key witnesses and any informant testimony
- Reviewing forensic evidence, including digital records or physical materials
- Developing strong negotiation strategies tailored to Miami prosecutors
- Preparing for trial with proven techniques for challenging government case theories
Throughout the process, our team stays in constant contact with you. We explain every development, answer your questions, and make sure you are informed about every choice available to you.
Our Defense Strategies
At the Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A., we utilize a multi-faceted defense strategy:
- Challenging Search Warrants: Many counterfeiting cases rely on evidence found during searches of warehouses or homes. If the warrant was overbroad or lacked probable cause, we move to suppress all seized evidence.
- Proving Lack of Intent: We gather evidence to show our clients were "good faith" purchasers who had no knowledge they were dealing in counterfeit goods.
- Negotiating Reductions: By highlighting a client's lack of criminal history and the absence of actual harm, we often secure a reduction of felony charges to misdemeanors or pursue Pre-Trial Intervention programs.
Why Choose Our Miami Counterfeiting Defense Lawyers
Deciding who will defend you is crucial. At Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A., we blend commitment, skill, and insight to give your case the attention it deserves. We value the trust clients place in us, and we work hard to deliver the best possible outcome in every situation.
Attorney Armando J. Hernandez’s experience as a former prosecutor in Miami means he understands how counterfeiting cases are built and prosecuted locally. We use this knowledge to your advantage, both in negotiations and if your case goes to trial in Miami-Dade Circuit Court or federal court.
Clients consistently benefit from several core strengths at our firm:
- Boutique, client-focused structure that ensures your case receives undivided attention
- Proven insights from years of practice as a prosecutor and defense lawyer in Miami
- Recognition by respected legal organizations such as The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers and America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys®
- Dedicated service for Spanish-speaking clients
- 24/7 accessibility and communication throughout your case
These qualities, combined with our in-depth understanding of Miami’s courts and legal system, make us a trusted choice for those seeking a counterfeiting defense lawyer in Miami.
Next Steps: Speak to a Miami Counterfeiting Defense Lawyer Today
When you contact Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A., you will receive honest advice and clear direction from experienced Miami defense lawyers. We offer services in Spanish and place the utmost importance on your privacy at every stage of the process.
Call (305) 400-0074 or reach out online to speak with a counterfeiting defense lawyer in Miami today.
