What should someone do if accused of scheme to defraud?

They should speak with defense counsel before explaining transactions, accounts, records, checks, identity information, or communications to police, banks, agencies, employers, or alleged victims.

Can scheme to defraud be challenged?

Yes. Potential defenses may involve intent, knowledge, identity, authorization, mistake, account records, transaction history, value or loss calculation, witness credibility, digital evidence, search legality, or statements.

Why are fraud charges document-heavy?

Fraud allegations often depend on financial records, account histories, applications, checks, communications, IP or device data, identity documents, and agency or bank interpretations. The defense should review the full record before any statement is made.

New York Fraud Defense

New York Scheme to Defraud Lawyer

Lebedin Kofman LLP defends clients accused of scheme to defraud in New York, including cases involving financial records, identity information, checks, applications, accounts, communications, and alleged intent to defraud.

Call 646-663-4430 Contact the Firm

Defense for scheme to defraud

The New York Courts Penal Law jury-instruction table lists Article 190 Other Frauds as its own offense group. These cases need focused defense work because alleged intent, identity, authorization, records, account access, and loss calculations can drive the outcome.

Fraud investigations often begin before an arrest. Early counsel can help protect the client before statements are made, records are produced without strategy, or investigators lock into an incomplete theory.

What Prosecutors May Focus On

Intent to defraud, identity, authorization, knowledge, value, loss, or benefit obtained.
Financial records, account records, checks, applications, identity documents, phone or device data, and witness statements.
Whether the allegation is criminal fraud rather than a mistake, civil dispute, employment dispute, or billing issue.

Defense Issues to Review Early

Record accuracy, account access, authorization, intent, identity, and loss calculation.
Digital evidence, bank records, agency records, subpoenas, searches, statements, and communications.
Collateral consequences involving employment, licensing, immigration, reputation, restitution, and pending cases.

Related Defense Pages

Contact a New York Fraud Defense Attorney

If you are accused of scheme to defraud, speak with counsel before discussing records, accounts, checks, identity information, or transactions with investigators.

Call 646-663-4430 Send a Confidential Inquiry

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts, evidence, procedural posture, and applicable law.