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.

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!