Criminal Defense Lawyers

Can You Be Charged with a Crime for Forgery in New York?

Can You Be Charged with a Crime for Forgery in New York?

ATTENTION: If you’re facing forgery charges in New York, you NEED to understand the serious consequences. Our experienced attorneys at Spodek Law Group are here to help protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. Don’t wait – call us now at 212-300-5196 for a free consultation!Forgery is a serious offense in New York that can lead to severe criminal penalties. As experienced defense attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand how these charges can turn someone’s life upside down. But don’t panic – with the right legal representation, there are often ways to fight forgery allegations or mitigate the consequences.Let’s break down what you need to know about forgery laws in New York:

What Exactly is Forgery in New York?

Forgery involves creating, altering, or using a false document with the intent to defraud or deceive. Some common examples we see include:

• Signing someone else’s name on a check or contract
• Altering the amount on a check
• Creating fake IDs or diplomas
• Forging a prescription for medication

The key elements are:

1. Creating or altering a written instrument
2. With intent to defraud, deceive, or injure another party

It’s important to note that even if no one was actually defrauded, you can still be charged if there was intent to defraud.

Degrees of Forgery Charges in New York

New York law breaks forgery down into three degrees of severity:

The degree you’re charged with depends on factors like:

• The type of document forged
• The amount of money involved
• Your criminal history

For example, forging a personal check might be 3rd degree, while forging government-issued money or securities would likely be 1st degree.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Related Charges to Be Aware Of

In addition to forgery itself, there are some related charges you should know about:

• Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument: Having a forged document with intent to deceive, even if you didn’t create it yourself.
• Criminal Possession of Forgery Devices: Possessing tools or equipment used to create forged documents.
• Criminal Simulation: Creating or altering an object to make it appear to have value or antiquity it doesn’t actually have.

These charges often accompany forgery allegations and can add additional penalties.

Potential Defenses Against Forgery Charges

While every case is unique, there are several defense strategies we often employ when fighting forgery charges:

1. Lack of intent to defraud: If we can show you had no intention to deceive anyone, it’s not forgery.
2. Authorization: If you had permission to sign someone’s name, it’s not forgery.
3. Mistake or accident: Accidentally altering a document without realizing it is not forgery.
4. Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed forgery.
5. Constitutional violations: If evidence was obtained illegally, we may be able to get it suppressed.

Our experienced attorneys will carefully examine every aspect of your case to build the strongest possible defense strategy.

The Consequences of a Forgery Conviction

A forgery conviction can have far-reaching consequences beyond just jail time or fines:

• A permanent criminal record
• Difficulty finding employment, especially in fields requiring trust or handling money
• Loss of professional licenses
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens
• Damage to your reputation and relationships

That’s why it’s CRUCIAL to have skilled legal representation if you’re facing forgery charges. We’ll fight to protect your rights and your future.

How Spodek Law Group Can Help

At Spodek Law Group, we have years of experience defending clients against forgery and related charges in New York. We understand how stressful and overwhelming these allegations can be. That’s why we’re committed to providing aggressive, personalized representation to every client.When you work with us, you can expect:

• A free initial consultation to discuss your case
• A thorough investigation of the evidence against you
• Development of a strong defense strategy tailored to your unique situation
• Skilled negotiation with prosecutors to potentially reduce or dismiss charges
• Fierce advocacy in court if your case goes to trial

We’ve helped countless clients achieve favorable outcomes in forgery cases. Whether that means getting charges dropped, negotiating a plea deal to avoid jail time, or fighting for an acquittal at trial – we’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights and your future.Don’t face forgery charges alone. Contact Spodek Law Group today at 212-300-5196 to schedule your free consultation. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you.Remember, the sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of a positive outcome. Don’t wait – call us now!