Forgery Defense Lawyer New York County, NY

Last reviewed: July 2026

If you were arrested for forgery in Manhattan and now face charges at 60 Centre Street, the weight of a felony accusation can feel like a long shadow. You may be accused of possessing a forged instrument, counterfeiting, or falsifying business records — offenses that, under New York Penal Law, carry the potential for years in state prison. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., our criminal defense team understands how forgery investigations are built and what is at stake in New York County’s courtrooms. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly before the New York County Supreme Court and the NYC Criminal Court in Manhattan. We work to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, identify procedural weaknesses, and pursue the most favorable resolution available under the facts of your case. To request a consultation, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.

What Forgery Defense Means in New York County (Manhattan)

Forgery charges in New York County involve allegations that a person created, altered, or possessed a false document with the intent to defraud. The New York Penal Law (PEN) classifies forgery offenses by the type of instrument involved and the value of the property or obligation it represents. At the misdemeanor level, possession of a forged instrument in the third degree is a Class A misdemeanor. More serious cases — such as forgery of a credit card, a deed, or a public record — can be charged as a Class D, C, or even B felony. The specific charge you face depends on the document and the circumstances of the alleged offense.

The courthouse at 60 Centre Street in Lower Manhattan is where felony cases are heard in the New York County Supreme Court, Criminal Term. Misdemeanor forgery matters proceed through the NYC Criminal Court — Manhattan. New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, so many defendants are released on their own recognizance or with conditions. For those eligible, an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) offers a path to dismissal after a period of good behavior. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are familiar with the procedures and prosecutors in this courthouse, and we use that familiarity to evaluate every option available in your case.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Forgery Cases

Every forgery case begins with a thorough review of the charging documents and the evidence the prosecution intends to introduce. Our team examines the authenticity of the allegedly forged instrument, the chain of custody, and whether law enforcement followed proper procedure during the investigation and arrest. In many forgery cases, the central question is intent: whether the accused knew the document was false and intended to defraud another person. We look for gaps in the prosecution’s ability to prove that element beyond a reasonable doubt.

When the evidence permits, we pursue pretrial motions to suppress improperly obtained statements or physical evidence. In appropriate cases, we negotiate with the district attorney’s office to seek a reduction of charges or an ACD. For cases that proceed to trial, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare a defense strategy grounded in the specific facts and the relevant sections of the New York Penal Law and Criminal Procedure Law. Throughout the process, we keep you informed of developments and explain the possible consequences of each decision. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who now concentrates his practice on criminal defense. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. His experience includes testifying before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to forgery and other criminal matters. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have documented case results across multiple practice areas. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is forgery under New York law?

Forgery is the creation, alteration, or possession of a false document with the intent to deceive or defraud. The New York Penal Law covers a wide range of forged instruments, from government‑issued identification and currency to business records and legal documents. Charges range from a Class A misdemeanor for possessing a forged instrument in the third degree to a Class B felony for forging a public record. The prosecutor must prove that you knew the document was false and intended to defraud another party.

Do I need a lawyer for forgery charges in Manhattan?

Yes, retaining an experienced defense lawyer is important when facing forgery charges. Forgery is a felony in many cases, and a conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, a state prison sentence, and significant collateral consequences. An attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate with the district attorney’s office, and work to protect your rights throughout the criminal process. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What is an ACD, and can it apply to a forgery case?

An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a New York disposition that allows charges to be adjourned for a set period and then automatically dismissed if the defendant avoids new arrests. ACDs are available for many first‑offense misdemeanors and some lower‑level felonies. Whether an ACD is available in a forgery case depends on the specific charge, your criminal history, and the prosecutor’s position. An attorney can assess whether this is a viable option and advocate for it.

How long does a criminal case take in New York?

The timeline for a criminal case in New York varies depending on the charge, the complexity, and how the case progresses through the court system. Misdemeanors are generally resolved more quickly than felonies. Felony cases must go through a grand jury indictment, which adds time. The court’s calendar also affects scheduling. While some cases resolve in a few months, others can take more than a year. An experienced defense lawyer can give you a realistic assessment based on the specifics of your matter.

What are the penalties for forgery in New York?

Penalties for forgery in New York range from a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in jail, to a Class B felony, which can result in 5 to 25 years in state prison. The exact penalty depends on the degree of the offense, the type of document allegedly forged, and the defendant’s prior record. A Class D felony, which covers many second‑degree forgery offenses, carries a sentence of 2 to 7 years. Beyond imprisonment, a felony conviction can affect employment, professional licenses, and immigration status.

Can forgery charges be dropped in New York County?

Yes, forgery charges can be dropped or dismissed if the prosecution cannot meet its burden of proof or if a legal basis to suppress evidence exists. Challenges to the evidence — such as questioning whether the defendant had the requisite intent to defraud — may lead to a dismissal. In other cases, a negotiated resolution may result in a reduced charge or a non‑criminal disposition. Every case is different, but an attorney can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s evidence and advise you on the available options.

Additional Criminal Defense Resources in New York

Kings County (Brooklyn) Criminal Lawyer •
Queens County (Queens) Criminal Lawyer •
Richmond County (Staten Island) Criminal Lawyer •
Nassau County (Long Island) Criminal Lawyer •
Suffolk County (Long Island) Criminal Lawyer

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