Criminal Defense Lawyers

NYC Forgery Lawyers

In New York, an individual has committed forgery when they falsely create, alter or complete a written instrument. Their purpose must be to deceive, defraud or cause injury to another person or entity. The levels of criminal forgery increase by degrees based on the instrument utilized for the act of forgery.

Written Instrument
Under New York law, a written instrument is any type of printed material, tokens, computer data, program as well as any other type of item used to illustrate information as proof of value, identification as well as privilege. A written instrument has the ability to provide an individual with benefit or to show a disadvantage and more.

Forged Instruments
There are numerous items people have been found guilty of forging. Individuals have done everything from altering their driver’s license to creating a government ID. Some people have even forged handicapped-parking permits. Others have forged vehicle identification numbers with illegal numbers. There have also been forgeries of deeds, wills, credit cards, commercial instruments as well as public records and more.

Punishments
In New York, any person who intentionally and knowingly possesses, or creates a forged document is considered liable for it. This is determined to suggest an attempt to defraud another party or person. A person who only possess or creates a forged document can be charged with forgery, the same as any individual who actively uses it.

*Third Degree Forgery – This is considered a Class A misdemeanor. A person convicted of this could be incarcerated for up to twelve months and be required to pay a fine totaling $1,000.

*Second Degree Forgery – This is considered a Class D felony. A person convicted of this could be incarcerated for up to seven years. They may also be required to pay fines totaling $5,000 or an amount twice what the defendant received from performing the forgery.

*First Degree Forgery – This is considered a Class C felony. A person convicted of this could be incarcerated for up to fifteen years. They could also be required to pay fines totaling $5,000 or an amount twice what the defendant received from performing the forgery.

Legal Defenses
When a person is charged with forgery, an experienced attorney will be able to review the facts of the case and determine an appropriate legal defense. There could have been a lack of intent. A defense attorney will try to show their client had no intent to deceive, defraud or injure anyone. It may be possible to prove a defendant did not know the item was forged. This happens with high-quality forgeries that can be used by people without their knowledge. It possible a defendant was under the age of 16 and can’t be charged as an adult. In some situations, an attorney has been able to prove a defendant had a mental defect. This is a situation where a person didn’t have the mental ability to comprehend what they were doing was wrong.

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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Statute Of Limitations
This is a law that prevents prosecuting an individual for a crime they committed after a specified number of years after the crime occurred. This will apply to the crime of forgery depending on if a person has been charged with a felony or misdemeanor. A misdemeanor charge would have a statute of limitations of one year. A felony could be five years. If extraordinary circumstances apply, the statute of limitations could be extended.

When a person is charged with forgery, they should discuss it with an experienced attorney. The attorneys at Spodek Law Group are able to explain how section 170 of the New York Penal Law covers forgery in New York and how it will impact their legal circumstance. They will know how to protect the legal rights of someone charged with forgery and obtain the best possible result for their case.