Customs Fraud

Are pressing financial struggles pushing you toward risky decisions involving customs scams? The potential fallout from these actions is incredibly severe, ranging from federal prison time and the permanent loss of importing privileges to massive financial penalties. You do not have to navigate these frightening challenges by yourself. At Logue Law Group, we are fully committed to defending individuals who have been accused of customs fraud. Our team of skilled legal professionals in Harrisburg is ready to provide the assistance you need.

What is Customs Fraud Law?

When it involves importing merchandise into Harrisburg, utilizing falsified, forged, or fake documentation, sidestepping tariffs, or smuggling contraband is strictly against the law. Prosecution for customs fraud is grounded in various federal statutes, including those that protect commerce in Pennsylvania, drug enforcement laws, and regulations designed to ensure food and environmental safety. Importers who are charged with obstruction of justice on top of fraud will face even harsher consequences.

Because the volume of imported goods entering Harrisburg has increased, detecting every instance of customs fraud has become more challenging for authorities. However, if you are targeted, you need a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer who understands these specific regulations. Customs officials rely on rigorous inspections, scrutinizing paperwork for any irregularities, and utilizing information provided under the False Claims Act.

Some common tactics used in customs fraud include:

• Misclassifying Cargo: This involves intentionally assigning the wrong classification codes to goods to lower or avoid tariffs. An example would be labeling a shipping container full of televisions as “lawnmowers” to pay a cheaper rate.
• Country of Origin Manipulation: This is the act of deliberately providing false information regarding where the goods were made to get around import quotas. This is frequently seen with apparel and food imports to dodge extra tariffs.
• Undervaluing Goods: This occurs when an importer purposefully declares a lower value for their goods than they are worth to evade paying the accurate tariff amount, thereby significantly cutting import costs.
• Evading Antidumping Duties: This involves manipulating shipments by routing them through intermediate countries to avoid paying specific antidumping fees.

At our group, while we are well-known for our work as a Harrisburg DUI attorney, our legal team is also well-versed in the complexities of federal investigations pertaining to customs fraud.

The Investigation Process

These investigations typically begin when customs officials demand additional documentation to back up an importer’s claims regarding the nature of their cargo. If the supporting paperwork fails to satisfy the officials, they may issue a “pre-penalty demand,” formally charging the importer with fraud. To force compliance, customs authorities have the power to impose full forfeiture of the goods or issue an administrative summons, which halts the importation process until the importer fulfills all requirements.

Furthermore, customs authorities hold the power to re-classify the importer’s goods and assign a corresponding tariff rate based on that new classification. While importers have the right to challenge this new rate, doing so requires the submission of appropriate documentation and the guidance of a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer.

What Will be the Penalty?

When importers face accusations of customs fraud, the severity of the offense and the type of illegal cargo involved will dictate the federal penalties they face. These penalties are significant and may involve the total loss and forfeiture of importation privileges, heavy fines, and imprisonment.

Ways in Which a Customs Fraud Attorney Can Help

Facing inflexible federal laws and a determined prosecutor after being charged with customs fraud can be an intimidating experience. That is where Logue Law Group comes in. Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer will guide you through your available options and work tirelessly toward the best possible outcome for your case. With our deep understanding of the complexities of the customs system in Dauphin County and beyond, our skilled lawyers are confident in their ability to achieve the finest results in court.

Do not leave the outcome of your customs fraud case to chance. Reach out to our criminal defense team today. Whether you need a Harrisburg DUI attorney or a federal defense expert, let us support you every step of the way, relieving you of your worries.

To find a customs fraud lawyer in Harrisburg, call us at 412-387-6901 or contact us online.