Westchester County Forgery Attorneys

Offering Quality Representation You Can Trust

Arrested for allegedly committing the crime of forgery? You need to take immediate action and get a strong legal force behind you. At Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP, our experienced forgery defense lawyers in Westchester County understand the laws pertaining to forgery and know how to defend these cases and protect your rights.

With more than 100 years of combined experience and the knowledge from being former Assistant District Attorneys in Westchester County and New York County, our lawyers have achieved many dismissals and favorable outcomes involving very serious cases.

To get assistance with your case, contact us for a free consultation.

Forgery Laws in New York

Forgery is usually defined as any crime where a person falsely creates, makes, or alters a written document with the intent to harm the interests of another or to make a profit. Such “forged instruments” can include airplane tickets, stock certificates, deeds, prescriptions, wills, contracts, checks, ID, money, and bonds. Not only can the person who created the forged item be convicted of forgery but also anyone who possesses the document can be charged.

Forgery can take many forms, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies and carry harsh consequences including heavy fines, incarceration, and probation. Since forgery charges can be complex and difficult to defend, you should have criminal defense attorneys who are experienced and knowledgeable to assist you and protect your liberty.

Our attorneys have handled numerous cases and have both the ingenuity and resources to effectively handle your defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the varying degrees of forgery in New York?

There are several degrees of forgery charges in the state of New York, which include:

• Forgery in the third degree
• Forgery in the second degree
• Forgery in the first degree
• Criminal possession of forgery devices
• Criminal possession of a forged instrument

What will cause a forgery charge to be elevated to the second degree?

Forgery can be increased to a second-degree charge if the alleged perpetrator has intent to defraud, deceive, or injure the victim during the act.

Some of the actions that can result in a second-degree forgery charge include:

• Falsely making a document
• Completing a false document
• Altering a written instrument purporting to be a document

What are common defenses to the charge of forgery?

Common defenses that can be used when charged with the crime of forgery include:

• Lack of intent to deceive, defraud, or cause harm to another
• Lack of knowledge that the instrument in question was forged
• Mental disease or defect
• Infancy for individuals under the age of 16

Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation

If you have been arrested, charged, or are under investigation for forgery we are here to protect your rights.

Call Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP at (914) 840-5104 today to speak with a Westchester County forgery defense lawyer.