Customs Fraud

Facing pressing financial problems that have led you into customs scams? The repercussions can be severe, including jail time, loss of import privileges, and hefty penalties. Don’t navigate these challenges alone. At Logue Law Group, our dedicated team of experienced Butler customs fraud lawyers is here to assist you.

What is Customs Fraud Law?

When it comes to importing goods in Butler, engaging in fraudulent activities, such as using forged or phony documents, evading tariffs, or smuggling contraband, is strictly prohibited by the law. Prosecution for customs fraud relies on various federal laws, including those that safeguard commerce in Butler, drug laws, and regulations ensuring environmental and food safety. Importers found guilty of obstruction of justice face even harsher penalties.

With the rise in imported goods in Butler, customs fraud has become increasingly challenging to detect. Customs authorities employ thorough inspections, scrutinizing paperwork for irregularities, and leveraging information provided by the False Claims Act. Some common customs fraud tactics to be aware of include:

• Misclassifying Cargo: Intentionally assigning incorrect classifications to reduce or avoid tariffs. For instance, labeling a container of televisions as lawnmowers to pay lower tariffs.
• Country of Origin Manipulation: deliberately providing false country of origin information to evade import quotas. This tactic is frequently employed with food and apparel imports to avoid additional tariffs.
• Undervaluing Goods: Purposely undervaluing goods to evade paying accurate tariffs, resulting in a significant reduction in import costs.
• Evading Antidumping Duties: manipulating shipments through other countries to avoid paying anti dumping fees.

Our Butler firm specializes in customs fraud investigations. As experienced Butler PA DUI attorneys, we are well-versed in the complexities of these cases. When customs officials require additional documentation to validate an importer’s claims about their cargo, we step in. If the paperwork falls short of satisfying the officials, they may issue a pre-penalty demand, charging the importer with fraud.

To compel compliance, the customs authorities can impose full forfeiture or issue administrative summons, temporarily halting the importation process until the requirements are fulfilled. Furthermore, the authorities have the power to re-classify the importer’s goods and assign them a corresponding tariff rate based on the new classification. Importers do have the right to challenge the assigned tariff rate, but doing so requires the submission of proper documentation.

What Will be the Penalty?

Now, you may be wondering about the potential penalties involved in customs fraud cases. The severity of the offense and the nature of the illegal cargo determine the federal penalties faced by importers. These penalties can range from the loss and forfeiture of importation privileges to fines and imprisonment.

Ways in Which a Butler Customs Fraud Attorney Can Help

When charged with customs fraud, it’s crucial to have a skilled Butler customs fraud attorney by your side. At Logue Law, we understand the challenges posed by inflexible laws and determined prosecutors. Our experienced Butler PA criminal lawyers will guide you through the process and strive for the best possible outcome for your case. With our deep knowledge of the Butler customs system, we are confident in our ability to achieve favorable results in court.

You don’t have to leave the outcome of your customs fraud case to chance. Contact our Butler PA criminal lawyers and let us support you every step of the way, alleviating your worries. Reach out to us online or call us at 844.PITT.DUI to find a customs fraud lawyer in Butler.