The National Trial Lawyers - Top 100 Trial Lawyers
BBB Accredited Business
The National Trial Lawyers - Top 40 Under 40
AV Preeminent badge
The National Trial Lawyers - Top 100 Trial Lawyers
National Association of Distinguished Counsel
USCCA Critical Response team
LawyerCentral.com Featured Lawyer badge
Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb badge
Avvo Client's Choice 2014
USCCA badge
Certified badge
Best DUI Attorney - Top Rated badge
10 Best badge
Expertise.com badge

New York Penal Law § 170.25 – Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree

Experienced NYC Criminal Defense Lawyers Skillfully Handling a Wide Range of Forgery Offenses

Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree is a New York forgery crime that provides enhanced penalties for those who create or rely on certain types of forged instruments, such as wills, deeds, public records, or prescriptions. Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree is a Class D misdemeanor.

What Are the Elements of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree?

All crimes are made up of elements, which are facts that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt before a judge or jury can return a conviction. The elements of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree are:

  1. The defendant falsely created, completed or altered an instrument that purported to be:
    1. A deed, will, commercial instrument or credit card;
    2. A public record;
    3. A written instrument used or created by a government entity;
    4. Any “symbol of value,” such as public transit transfers, tokens, or certificates; or
    5. A prescription for medication.
  2. The defendant did so knowing that the instrument was forged; and
  3. The defendant intended to use the instrument to defraud or deceive another person.

Notably, there is a presumption that anyone who possesses two or more forged credit or debit cards knew the cards were forged and possessed with the intent to defraud.

Examples of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree

Examples of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 2nd Degree include:

  • A daughter who had been estranged from her mother created a fake will purporting to leave all the mother’s property to the daughter.
  • A person suffering from substance abuse disorder creates fake prescriptions for oxycodone.
  • A teenager scans a copy of an adult’s driver’s license and replaces the picture with his own.
  • A person knowingly puts on their car a fake temporary license plate.

Related Offenses to NY Penal Law § 170.25

While every case is different, prosecutors often file several charges against a defendant based on a single course of conduct. In the case of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, the following are the most common related crimes:

  • Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Third Degree – NY Penal Law § 170.20
  • Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the First Degree – NY Penal Law § 170.30
  • Forgery in the First Degree – NY Penal Law § 170.15
  • Forgery in the Second Degree – NY Penal Law § 170.10
  • Forgery in the Third Degree – NY Penal Law § 170.05
  • Criminal Possession of Forgery Devices – NY Penal Law § 170.40
  • Criminal Simulation – NY Penal Law § 140.45
  • Fraudulent Making of an Electronic Access Device in the Second Degree – NY Penal Law § 170.75

What Are the Defenses to Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree?

There are several defenses to Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree. Defenses can be useful when negotiating with prosecutors to secure a favorable plea agreement, for example, on reduced charges. Additionally, a successful defense may even cause the prosecution to withdraw the case against you or give the jury reasonable doubt, prompting a “not guilty” verdict.

The most common defenses include the following:

  • You did not know that the instrument was a forgery; and
  • The instrument, even if a forgery, did not fall into one of the enumerated categories;
  • While you knew that the instrument was forged, you did not intend to use it to deceive another person (i.e., it was a joke).

What Are the Penalties for Violating NY Penal Law § 170.25?

Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree is a Class D felony. In New York, Class D felonies carry a maximum sentence of up to seven years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000, or double the amount of money you gained as a result of the offense.

Are You Facing Forgery Charges in New York?

If you are charged with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, it’s important you understand the nature of the charges against you, what defenses may apply, and how to develop a compelling strategy to mitigate your exposure as early on in the process as possible. At Tilem & Associates, we have more than 25 years of experience successfully handling complex fraud and forgery cases on behalf of clients throughout the New York area. We are immediately available to meet with you to get started working on a compelling defense to the charges you face. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 877-377-8666. You can also reach us through our online contact form.

Client Reviews

Thank you again for discussing my case with today. I can not stress enough how impressed I am with your services as an attorney. You have gone above and beyond the call of duty to attempt to help me. Thank you again and best wishes.

Rob

I am writing to send you my heartfelt thanks for your work on my father’s case. You are a wonderful attorney. I was very impressed by you from our first meeting. I am so grateful we were referred to you. If I can ever be of help in providing a reference or anything else, please let me know.

Joanna

I wanted to first say thank you for everything you have done for me in the last several months. You made this very difficult ordeal in my life less stressful and easier to bear. I am grateful for having you as my attorney and I truly feel that you helped me above my expectations. I appreciate...

W.S.

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Available 24/7
  3. 3 Over 25 Years Experience
Fill out the contact form or call us at 877-377-8666 to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message

Online Payments Available

Pre-Paid Legal Service for Gun Owners