What You Should Know About Check Fraud in New York

If you have been accused of financial fraud, please read on, then contact an experienced Rockland County check fraud attorney to learn what you should know about check fraud in New York.

What are the types of check fraud in New York?

People may face charges for check fraud for various reasons/ This includes everything from simply writing a check without the sufficient funds in your bank account to cover the amount written to the examples listed below:

  • Forgery: The defendant allegedly wrote a check out of someone else’s account.
  • Counterfeiting: The defendant allegedly created a replica of a legitimate check.
  • Check washing: The defendant allegedly altered checks to wipe the signature and amounts from a real check.
  • Paperhanging: The defendant allegedly wrote checks on accounts that are no longer open.
  • Check kiting: The defendant allegedly had two accounts he or she floated money between.

If the prosecutor feels the circumstances of the case warrant it, he or she may also charge the defendant with identity theft, which comes with an additional set of criminal consequences.

What are the penalties for check fraud in New York?

Based on the amount the defendant allegedly stole, the penalties are as follows:

$1,000 or less:

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • A fine of up to $1,000, or double the offender’s gain

Between $1,000 and $3,000:

  • Incarceration for up to 4 years
  • A fine of up to $5,000, or double the offender’s gain

Between $3,000 and $50,000:

  • Incarceration for up to 7 years
  • A fine of up to $5,000, or double the offender’s gain

Between $50,000 and $1 million:

  • Incarceration for up to 15 years
  • A fine of up to $5,000, or double the offender’s gain

Greater than $1 million:

  • Incarceration for up to 25 years
  • A fine of up to $5,000, or double the offender’s gain

It does not matter how much you allegedly stole: Any conviction for check fraud can lead to lifelong consequences restricting your employment prospects, rights to live in certain geographical areas, ability to collect government benefits, take out certain loans, adopt children and more. That is why you should not hesitate to reach out to a skilled Rockland County criminal defense attorney to discuss the particulars of your case and begin planning a suitable defense. Let us fight for you and your future.

Contact our experienced Rockland County firm

Those facing criminal charges in New York need a strong Rockland County criminal defense attorney who knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. Fortunately, our firm is ready to put over 30 years of experience to work for you. Call today or contact The Law Office of Carl Spector online to schedule a free confidential consultation. We are ready to help you go on living life positively, happily, and free from the burdens of a criminal conviction–all you have to do is ask.