New York Forgery Lawyer – Your Guide to Forgery Charges and Defense

Being charged with forgery in New York can be scary. Forgery covers a wide range of offenses related to falsely making, completing, or altering documents with the intent to defraud, deceive, or injure another person. If convicted, you may face jail time, heavy fines, and a criminal record. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced New York forgery lawyer on your side to protect your rights and future.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through New York’s forgery laws, typical penalties, and top defenses a knowledgeable lawyer can use to fight the charges. We’ll also share tips on finding the right forgery attorney to handle your specific case.

New York Forgery Laws and Charges

New York divides forgery into three degrees depending on the type of document involved and potential harm:

Forgery in the third degree (Class A misdemeanor)
Forgery in the second degree (Class D felony)
Forgery in the first degree (Class C felony)

Let’s look at each degree and the typical penalties if convicted:

Forgery in the Third Degree

This charge covers forging documents like checks, contracts, deeds, wills, and other standard instruments. It does not include money, stamps, stocks, or bonds. Forgery in the third degree is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000[1].

Forgery in the Second Degree

This felony charge covers falsely making, completing, or altering:

Deeds
Wills
Commercial instruments like checks
Court orders
Prescriptions
Doctor notes

Second degree forgery is a Class D felony with up to 7 years in prison and fines up to $5,000[2].

Forgery in the First Degree

This is the most serious forgery offense in New York. It covers counterfeiting or altering:

Money
Stamps
Securities
Bonds
Other government documents

First degree forgery is a Class C felony with up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $15,000[3].

Common Forgery Defenses

An experienced New York forgery lawyer can often get charges reduced or dismissed by raising key defenses like:

Lack of Intent

All forgery charges require prosecutors to prove you intended to defraud, deceive, or injure someone. If you can show you lacked this intent, it’s a strong defense. For example, if you signed a document on behalf of someone as their power of attorney, you can argue you were legally authorized and lacked criminal intent.

Duress

If you can prove you were under duress or coercion when you committed the forgery, this can negate intent. For instance, if someone threatened you unless you forged a document.

Mistake of Fact

If you made an honest mistake based on wrong information rather than trying to deceive, this defense may apply. For example, signing your sibling’s name on a document you mistakenly thought they authorized.

Lack of Knowledge

If you can show you were unaware a document was forged when you tried to use it, you may be able to avoid conviction. For instance, unknowingly depositing a forged check someone gave you.

Misidentification

Eyewitness mistakes happen, so if a witness identifies the wrong person, it’s grounds for dismissal. Your lawyer can challenge the credibility of witnesses.

Finding the Right New York Forgery Lawyer

Since forgery charges can completely upend your life, it’s critical to have an assertive lawyer in your corner. Look for a New York forgery attorney with a proven record of getting charges reduced or dismissed. Key credentials to seek out include:

10+ years handling forgery cases
History of positive case results
Strong knowledge of New York penal codes
Reputation for aggressive defense
Skill at negotiating with prosecutors
Ability to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case

Also consider lawyers who offer free consultations so you can discuss your case details before deciding who to hire. Retaining the right forgery lawyer can make all the difference in avoiding conviction and preserving your future.

Being charged with forgery can be overwhelming. But with an experienced New York forgery attorney guiding you, you can craft a strong defense to beat the charges. Don’t leave your fate to chance – connect with a knowledgeable lawyer now.