New York City Forgery Lawyer

Forgery offenses are when someone falsely makes, completes, or alters a written instrument with the intent to defraud, deceive, or injure another.New York recognizes three degrees of forgery in which the penalties increase due to the nature of the instrument involved.

New York forgery charges can result in paying fines of up to $5,000, serving up to 15 years in prison, and paying fines of up to $5,000 or double the amount of the forgery gain.

If you have been charged with a forgery crime, contact an experienced fraud attorney as soon as possible. A New York forgery lawyer can help you review the charges against you and determine what legal defenses may apply to your situation.

Third-Degree Forgery Charges

Third-degree forgery charges generally include forgery of any instrument which falls under the description above. It is considered a Class A misdemeanor which is punishable by serving up to one year in prison and paying up to $1,000 in fines.

Second-Degree Forgery Charges

Second-degree forgery is considered a Class D felony which is punishable by serving up to seven years in prison and paying up to $5,000 in fines or double the amount of the defendant’s gain from commission of the forgery. Anyone facing these charges should contact a New York forgery lawyer to begin planning their defense.

This includes forgery involving:

• A deed, will, codicil, contract, assignment, commercial instrument, credit card, or other instrument “which does or may evidence, create, transfer, terminate or otherwise affect a legal right, interest, obligation or status”
• A public record or instrument filed, required or authorized by law to be filed in a public office or with a public servant
• A written instrument officially issued or created by a public office, public servant, or governmental instrumentality
• Part of an issue of tokens, public transportation transfers, certificates or other articles designed for use as symbols of value, usable in place of money, to purchase property or services
• A prescription of a licensed physician or other person authorized to issue the same for any drug, instrument or device for which a prescription is required by law

Penalties Associated with Forgery Intent

First-degree forgery is considered a Class C felony which is punishable by serving up to 15 years in prison and paying up to $5,000 in fines or double the amount of the defendant’s gain from commission of the forgery.

New York also recognizes the crimes of criminal possession of forged instruments and devices. Essentially, this refers to simply possessing a forged instrument or device – with the intent to defraud or deceive another. Like forgery, there are three degrees of the crime with are penalized as misdemeanors or felonies.

What are Typical First-Degree Forgery Charges?

Common first-degree forgery charges include:

• Part of an issue of money, stamps, securities, or other valuable instruments issued by a government or governmental entity
• Part of an issue of stock, bonds, or other instruments representing interests in or claims against a corporation or other organization or its property.

Speaking with a New York City Forgery Lawyer

New York City takes forgery crimes very seriously. Anyone charged with forgery must understand the consequences they face. That is how a New York forgery attorney can help the most.

If you have been charged with a forgery crime, find out how a New York City forgery lawyer can you avoid paying hefty fines, penalties, and spending time in prison.

Make sure you understand all the legal defenses available to you such as lacking the intent to defraud, deceive or injure another, lacking the knowledge that an instrument was forged, or suffering from mental illness.