Fraud Defense Lawyer Ontario County, NY

Facing a fraud charge in Ontario County can be unsettling. Fraud allegations in New York encompass a broad range of conduct—from writing a bad check and identity theft to complex schemes involving large financial losses. The criminal court system in Ontario County handles these matters at two levels: misdemeanor or violation-level cases are heard in the local criminal court of Ontario County, while felony fraud charges proceed to Ontario County Supreme Court, located at 27 North Main Street, Canandaigua. A conviction can carry serious consequences, including incarceration, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel team bring extensive combined legal experience to fraud defense in Ontario County. We represent clients throughout the Finger Lakes region—from Canandaigua and Geneva to Victor and Farmington—and we are available to discuss your situation. To request a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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What Fraud Defense Means in Ontario County

In New York, fraud-related offenses are generally prosecuted under the state’s larceny and theft statutes codified in the New York Penal Law. The severity of the charge typically depends on the value of property obtained. A fraud involving less than $1,000 may be charged as petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. When the amount obtained exceeds $1,000, the matter can be elevated to grand larceny—a felony with potential state prison time. The specific degree of grand larceny and the applicable sentencing range increase as the dollar amount rises. In Ontario County, law enforcement agencies such as the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments investigate fraud complaints. Once an arrest is made, the case moves to the criminal court of Ontario County for arraignment. For felony charges, the matter will be presented to a grand jury and then proceed to Ontario County Supreme Court, which has its principal location at 27 North Main Street in Canandaigua. Ontario County is part of New York’s 7th Judicial District, and the judges who preside over fraud cases are experienced in handling financial crimes. Because fraud charges often involve voluminous documentary evidence—bank records, contracts, emails—the discovery process can be extensive. A defense attorney who understands how to analyze and challenge financial evidence can work to protect your rights at every stage.

New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, so many defendants charged with fraud in Ontario County are released on their own recognizance or with conditions pending trial. However, the court may impose bail for certain financial felonies if the prosecution demonstrates a significant risk of flight. An experienced fraud defense lawyer can advocate for a reasonable bail determination or supervised release. Timely engagement with counsel also allows for early intervention, such as negotiating with the prosecutor before an indictment is filed or exploring the possibility of a deferred-disposition program. In Ontario County, the court may consider an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) for eligible first-offense cases, which, if successfully completed, results in a dismissal of the charges. It is essential to have an attorney who is familiar with the local court practices and the tendencies of the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Fraud Defense Cases

When you engage Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team immediately begin a thorough case evaluation. For fraud defense, this includes obtaining all discovery materials—police reports, search warrant affidavits, forensic accounting records, and witness statements. We scrutinize the evidence for procedural defects, such as an illegal search or seizure, a lack of probable cause for arrest, or violations of Miranda rights. In financial fraud cases, we often consult with forensic accounting professionals to challenge the prosecution’s valuation of the alleged loss or to identify alternative explanations for the transactions. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how the government builds fraud cases and uses that insight to develop a strategic defense. Throughout the process, we keep the client informed and explain the potential outcomes, including the possibility of a plea agreement, trial, or pretrial motion to dismiss. Because fraud charges can carry immigration consequences for noncitizens, we also evaluate the risk of deportation or inadmissibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The litigation of a fraud case in Ontario County Supreme Court follows standard New York criminal procedure. After arraignment, defense counsel has the opportunity to file omnibus motions, such as a motion to suppress evidence or a motion to inspect the grand jury minutes. Discovery is governed by New York’s criminal procedure law, and the prosecution is required to disclose all exculpatory evidence. We prepare for trial by identifying weaknesses in the state’s case, preparing cross-examination of its witnesses, and presenting a defense narrative that may include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, or the absence of a scheme. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to every fraud case. Results may vary. For a confidential consultation about your fraud matter in Ontario County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been a practicing attorney since 1997. He is admitted to the bars of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris understands criminal prosecution from both sides of the courtroom. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris’s experience in criminal law and his background in accounting and information systems make him particularly adept at handling complex financial fraud cases. His Of Counsel colleagues, who are engaged through Excella, bring additional extensive combined legal experience to the defense team. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel serve clients in Ontario County, including the communities of Canandaigua, Geneva, Victor, and all of the Finger Lakes region.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New York have cash bail?

New York reformed bail in 2020, eliminating cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. In Ontario County, most defendants charged with fraud are released on their own recognizance or with non-monetary conditions set by the court. For certain serious financial crimes or where there is a risk of flight, the judge may set bail. The court may also issue a desk appearance ticket (DAT) for lower-level offenses, meaning you are processed and released without an arraignment until a later date. An experienced fraud defense lawyer can argue for the least restrictive conditions at your bail hearing.

What is an ACD in Ontario County, New York?

An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a New York disposition where criminal charges are adjourned for 6 to 12 months and then automatically dismissed if the defendant has no new arrests during that period. An ACD is often available for first-offense fraud allegations, particularly when the dollar amount is low and there are no aggravating factors. Upon successful completion of the adjournment, the record of the charge can be sealed. Eligibility for an ACD depends on the specific facts and the prosecutor’s consent; an attorney can negotiate for this outcome on your behalf. For more information, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can I get my criminal record sealed in Ontario County?

New York law allows conditional sealing of certain criminal convictions under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59. You may be eligible to seal up to two eligible convictions after a 10-year waiting period, provided you have no more than two total convictions, no intervening criminal history, and the offense does not fall into an excluded category. ACD records are automatically sealed, and marijuana offenses have expanded eligibility. Sealing is done through the court in Ontario County. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can evaluate your record and determine whether you qualify for sealing. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.

What are the penalties for fraud in Ontario County?

Fraud penalties in New York depend on the value of the property or money obtained. If the amount is under the statutory threshold, the charge is typically petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 1 year in jail. When the amount is between the statutory threshold and the felony threshold, the offense is grand larceny in the fourth degree, a Class E felony punishable by 1 to 4 years in state prison. Higher amounts lead to more severe felony charges and longer potential sentences. The court also may order restitution to the victim. Because each case is unique, you should speak with a fraud defense lawyer about the specific range you face.

Do I need a lawyer for a fraud charge in Ontario County?

Yes, you should consult a fraud defense lawyer as soon as you learn you are under investigation or have been charged. Fraud cases involve complex financial documentation, and the prosecution often has already been building a case for months. Early representation allows your attorney to protect your rights during questioning, negotiate with the District Attorney’s Office before formal charges are filed, and begin gathering favorable evidence. Even if you believe the matter is minor, a conviction can have long-lasting collateral consequences. To request a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Additional Locations We Serve

In addition to Ontario County, our criminal defense lawyers represent clients across New York State, including:
New York County (Manhattan) |
Kings County (Brooklyn) |
Queens County (Queens) |
Richmond County (Staten Island) |
Nassau County (Long Island)

Official New York Legal Resources

For your reference, these primary sources provide the statutory framework for fraud and criminal procedure in New York:

New York Penal Law |
New York Criminal Procedure Law |
Ontario County Supreme Court

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Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves Ontario County from our Buffalo location, by appointment. Please call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.