What should someone do after being accused of forgery in the second degree?

They should avoid explaining the documents or transactions to police, banks, employers, agencies, or investigators before speaking with counsel. Early legal work can preserve records and protect against damaging statements.

Can forgery in the second degree be challenged?

Yes. Potential defenses may involve intent, knowledge, authority, identity, document authenticity, possession, instrument classification, record reliability, search legality, statements, or whether prosecutors can prove the charged degree.

Why does the exact forgery charge matter?

Forgery and possession-of-forged-instrument offenses have different elements and degrees. The exact charge can affect felony level, plea posture, collateral consequences, and the proof prosecutors must present.

New York Fraud and Forgery Defense

New York Forgery in the Second Degree Lawyer

Lebedin Kofman LLP defends clients charged with forgery in the second degree in New York, including felony allegations involving checks, public records, commercial instruments, contracts, prescriptions, and official documents.

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Defense for forgery in the second degree

Second-degree forgery is a felony that often depends on the type of written instrument allegedly forged. These cases can involve checks, deeds, contracts, business records, public records, medical or prescription documents, and financial instruments.

The New York Courts Penal Law jury-instruction table lists Article 170 Forgery and Related Offenses as its own offense group, so these charges deserve degree-specific defense pages rather than only a generic forgery page.

What Prosecutors May Focus On

Prosecutors may rely on bank records, institution records, government records, signatures, document metadata, emails, surveillance, business records, and statements.

Whether the document or instrument qualifies under the charged statute.
Whether the accused made, altered, possessed, used, or knew about the allegedly forged instrument.
Whether intent to defraud, deceive, or injure can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Defense Issues to Review Early

Defense issues include whether the instrument fits the charged category, whether the accused had authority, whether intent to defraud can be proven, whether records are reliable, and whether search or statement issues exist.

Document authenticity, authority, intent, knowledge, and identity.
Bank, employer, agency, or business records that may explain the transaction.
Search, seizure, subpoena, and statement issues.

Related Defense Pages

Contact a New York Forgery Defense Attorney

If you are under investigation or charged with forgery in the second degree, speak with counsel before discussing documents, signatures, transactions, or records with investigators.

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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.