Manhattan Forgery Attorney

Forgery Defense Lawyer in New York City

Forgery is generally defined as making, imitating or otherwise fabricating objects or documents in order to deceive. For example, if you sign a check with someone else’s signature without their knowledge or permission, you could be considered to be committing forgery. There are varying degrees of severity regarding forgery charges in New York State:

• Forgery in the third degree – can be charged if you intend to defraud, deceive or injure another person by making, completing or altering a written instrument. This is a class A misdemeanor which could result in up to a year of imprisonment.
• Forgery in the second degree – can be charged if you commit the above in relationship to a deed, will, contract, public record, prescription or other similar document.  This is a class D felony which could result in up to seven years imprisonment.
• Forgery in the first degree – can be charged if you commit the above in relationship to money, stamps, security or other government issued item, stocks, bonds or other similar document/item. This is a class C felony which could result in up to 15 years imprisonment.
• Criminal possession of forgery devices – can be charged if you make any device specifically designed for counterfeiting or forging objects/documents/items, etc. This is a class D felony which could result in up to seven years imprisonment.
• Criminal possession of a forged instrument – can be charged if you posses any forged instrument with the knowledge that it is forged and the intent to defraud, deceive or injure another person. This is a class C felony and could result in up to 15 years imprisonment.

Charged with forgery in New York?

It is very important that you retain an attorney who has experience with forgery cases and trials. The Manhattan forgery lawyers at Hochheiser Hochheiser & Inwood LLP have over 80 years combined legal experience. Your attorney can draw upon these years of practical knowledge related to criminal defense law in New York in order to better prepare your defense.

If you have been charged with embezzlement, contact a Manhattan Embezzlement Attorney at Hochheiser Hochheiser & Inwood LLP.  We also serve individuals in Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, Nassau County or Westchester County.