Forgery Defense Lawyer in Chemung County, NY — What Are Your Options?
Forgery in Chemung County is a serious offense under New York Penal Law § 170.00, ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony. A conviction can mean jail, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for forgery charges in Chemung County Criminal Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chemung County Criminal Court | New York State Legislature
New York Forgery Law and Penalties
Forgery in New York is defined in Penal Law Article 170. The crime involves falsely making, completing, or altering a written instrument with intent to defraud, deceive, or injure another. This includes checks, deeds, contracts, prescriptions, and other documents. The severity of the charge depends on the type of document forged and its value.
In Chemung County, forgery cases are prosecuted in the Chemung County Criminal Court for misdemeanors and the Chemung County Supreme Court Criminal Term for felonies. The court at Chemung County, NY serves the entire county.
New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, meaning most defendants in forgery cases are released on their own recognizance or with conditions.
In Chemung County, forgery carries penalties from up to 1 year in jail for a misdemeanor to up to 7 years in prison for a Class D felony, plus substantial fines and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forgery 3rd Degree (PL § 170.05) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year jail | Up to $1,000 | None | Criminal record, difficulty finding employment/housing |
| Forgery 2nd Degree (PL § 170.10) | Class D Felony | Up to 7 years prison | Up to $5,000 | None | Felony record, loss of professional licenses, immigration consequences |
| Forgery 1st Degree (PL § 170.15) | Class C Felony | Up to 15 years prison | Up to $15,000 | None | Severe felony record, long-term collateral damage |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Court Process for Forgery Charges in Chemung County
If you are charged with forgery in Chemung County, your case will follow a specific path through the local court system. Understanding this process is critical for building an effective defense strategy with your forgery defense lawyer near me Chemung County.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea (not guilty, guilty, or no contest) at Chemung County Criminal Court. Bail conditions are set, though most forgery defendants are released on recognizance.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will obtain all evidence from the prosecution and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if your rights were violated.
- Negotiation & Possible ACD: Your lawyer will negotiate with the District Attorney’s office. For eligible first offenses, an ACD may be secured, adjourning the case for dismissal.
- Trial or Plea: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench or jury trial. Alternatively, you may accept a plea bargain to a reduced charge.
- Sentencing or Dismissal: If convicted, you will be sentenced. If an ACD is completed successfully, the charges are dismissed and the record is sealed.
- Appeal or Record Sealing: You may appeal a conviction. For qualifying convictions, conditional sealing under CPL § 160.59 may be available after 10 years.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Forgery Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented track record of 4,739+ case results across our service areas with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the local procedures in Chemung County courts and use that knowledge to advocate effectively for our clients.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific local case counts are not published, our firm-wide results demonstrate our commitment to vigorous defense. We have achieved over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate of 93%+ across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. We approach each forgery case in Chemung County with a focus on examining the evidence for weaknesses, challenging the prosecution’s intent to defraud, and exploring all avenues for dismissal or reduction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Forgery Defense Lawyer Serving Chemung County, NY
Our New York location represents clients facing forgery charges in Chemung County courts, including those in Elmira, Horseheads, and Big Flats. We are accessible via I-86/Route 17 and I-390.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Forgery Defense in Chemung County: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for forgery in Chemung County, New York?
It depends on the degree. Forgery 3rd Degree is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail. Forgery 2nd Degree is a Class D felony with up to 7 years in prison. Fines range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Can a forgery charge be dismissed in Chemung County?
Yes. An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is possible for first-time offenses. If you complete the adjournment period (6-12 months) with no new arrests, the charges are automatically dismissed and sealed.
Do I need a lawyer for a forgery charge in Chemung County?
Yes. The consequences of a forgery conviction are severe and long-lasting. An experienced affordable forgery defense lawyer Chemung County can challenge the evidence, negotiate for an ACD or reduced charge, and protect your rights throughout the process.
What is the difference between forgery and criminal possession of a forged instrument?
Forgery (Penal Law § 170) involves creating or altering a false document. Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument (§ 170.20-170.30) involves knowingly possessing a forged document with intent to use it. You can be charged with both.
How long does a forgery case take in Chemung County?
A misdemeanor forgery case can take 30-90 days from arraignment to resolution. Felony cases take longer, often 3-12 months or more, as they move through Supreme Court and may involve grand jury proceedings.
For more information on New York forgery laws, visit the New York State Penal Law or the Chemung County Courts website.
If you are facing forgery charges, contact an experienced Forgery Defense Lawyer Chemung County at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. We also assist with related matters; see our pages for Criminal Defense in Chemung County and Federal Criminal Defense in Chemung County. For a broader overview, visit our New York Criminal Defense hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.