Oregon Purse Counterfeiting Crackdown
Every week, all over the country, “purse parties” are held. At these party people are allowed to shop luxury brand bags and accessories and get them at a fraction of the normal cost. While the majority of these women may wonder why the items are so cheap, many don’t know they are participating in an illegal action.
Counterfeit purses and clothing are a huge industry in the U.S.; Oregon is not immune from this either. While we often think of fashion counterfeiting taking place on urban street markets, purse parties and the like are occurring in the suburbs and being hosted and attended by reputable people within the community.
This article from the Oregonian reveals some of the most recent arrests in a counterfeiting ring in our state. These mostly women are charged with a variety of offenses mostly involving trademark counterfeiting. Most of them got off with probation, though they will be answering to a PO for a few years.
Unfortunately for these women and many people caught in similar circumstances, not knowing the action was a crime simply isn’t a logical defense for most judges.
These cases are a good example of the fact that not all crimes are committed by the down on their luck career criminal. The vast majority of white collar crimes are committed by people just like you and I.
Having defended many fraud and forgery cases in Oregon, I know that many people commit acts like this simply because they don’t think they will get caught. The weigh the risks and believe the potential pay off is worth it.
One positive aspect of these types of offenses is that a lack of criminal history can positively impact your case. If a judge believes the crime was a one time lapse in judgment, he or she may be more lenient.
Whether you committed a fraud to get ahead, not thinking you would get caught or if you are caught up in something bigger than that, you need legal help.
Contact our lawyers today to discuss your case.
