New York takes fraud seriously, no matter the nature of the charge. Penalties can range from misdemeanors to felonies which can result in jail sentences. If you are facing fraud charges in New York, it is important that you reach out to our experienced New York criminal defense attorney. We can walk you through the legal process ahead and fight for your rights in court. Get started today by giving our firm a call to schedule your initial consultation. We are here to help.
What are the most common examples of fraud in New York?
- Falsifying Business Records: If an individual makes or causes a false entry in the business records of an enterprise, alters, erases, deletes, or removes a true entry in the businesses records of an enterprise, omits to make a true entry in the business records of an enterprise in violation of a duty to do so which they know to be imposed upon them by law, or prevents the making of a true entry or causes the omission thereof in the business records of an enterprise, they are guilty of falsifying business records in the second degree. Falsifying business records is considered a Class A misdemeanor.
- Issuing a Bad Check: A person writing a check while knowing that there are insufficient funds in the attached account to cover the amount listed on the check. Issuing a bad check is classified as a class B misdemeanor.
- Forgery: When a person falsely makes, alters, or completes a written instrument that is purported to be an official document with the intent to defraud or deceive another. What determines the severity of the fraud charge is what the official document is supposed to be. For example, altering a will is Forgery in the 2nd degree and classified as a class D felony while falsifying a stock certificate is Forgery in the 1 degree and classified as a class C felony.
Defenses Against Fraud Charges
The main focus of the defense against fraud charges is the argument that the defendant did not know that they were committing fraud. This is due to the fact that the prosecution must demonstrate to the jury that the defendant intended to defraud a person. The prosecution’s responsibility is to demonstrate your knowledge of your actions.
Contact our Firm
Criminal matters can change the course of your life forever. This is why you need an experienced attorney who will aggressively combat your charges to help mitigate their long-term effects. If you are in need of experienced legal counsel for a criminal defense matter on Long Island or throughout New York State, please contact KCS Law to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to assist you.
