Fraud charges in Manhattan, New York County, are serious criminal offenses under New York Penal Law (PEN), carrying penalties ranging from a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail) to a Class B felony (up to 25 years). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fraud Defense Lawyer Manhattan, New York
Fraud charges in New York are governed by the New York Penal Law (PEN), which defines fraud as intentionally deceiving another person to obtain property, services, or money. Common fraud offenses include grand larceny by false pretenses (Penal Law § 155.05), scheme to defraud (Penal Law § 190.60), and insurance fraud (Penal Law § 176.05). The severity of the charge depends on the value of the property or services involved. For example, grand larceny in the fourth degree (value over $1,000) is a Class E felony, while grand larceny in the first degree (value over $1,000,000) is a Class B felony. These cases are prosecuted by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office at New York County Supreme Court, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York State Senate — official site
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience to every fraud defense case in Manhattan.
For the full text of New York fraud statutes, see New York Penal Law (PEN) (New York State Senate — official site). For information on New York County Supreme Court procedures, visit New York County Supreme Court (nycourts.gov — official site).
In New York County Supreme Court, prosecutors in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office routinely seek enhanced penalties for fraud cases involving financial institutions or elderly victims. We have observed that early intervention and a proactive defense strategy can significantly impact the outcome.
- Preserve all financial records and communications immediately after learning of an investigation.
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney, including co-defendants or employers.
- Request a desk appearance ticket (DAT) if arrested for a non-violent fraud offense, as NY bail reform favors release.
- Negotiate with the DA’s office for an ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal) for first-time offenders.
- Prepare for potential federal charges if the fraud involves interstate commerce or financial institutions.
- Consider a pre-indictment presentation to the grand jury to avoid formal charges.
In New York County (Manhattan), fraud charges carry penalties ranging from a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail) to a Class B felony (up to 25 years), depending on the value of the property and the specific statute violated.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | None | Probation, community service |
| Grand Larceny 4th ($1,000-$3,000) | Class E Felony | 1-4 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Probation eligible, restitution |
| Grand Larceny 3rd ($3,000-$50,000) | Class D Felony | 2-7 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Restitution, potential deportation for non-citizens |
| Grand Larceny 2nd ($50,000-$1,000,000) | Class C Felony | 3.5-15 years | Up to $15,000 | None | Restitution, potential federal charges |
| Grand Larceny 1st (over $1,000,000) | Class B Felony | 5-25 years | Up to $30,000 | None | Restitution, federal prosecution possible |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in New York County (Manhattan): firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate of over 93%.
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Buffalo, NY is approximately 370 miles from New York County Supreme Court (60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007), with access via I-90 and the New York State Thruway. We serve clients throughout Manhattan, including Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, and Inwood.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Buffalo, NY
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (838) 292-0003 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Defense in Manhattan
Does New York have cash bail?
Yes, NY reformed bail in 2020, eliminating cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. Most defendants in New York County (Manhattan) are released on recognizance. Criminal cases heard at New York County Supreme Court (60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007). ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal) available for many first offenses — charges dismissed after 6-12 months. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
What is an ACD in New York County (Manhattan), New York?
Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a NY disposition where charges are adjourned for 6-12 months and automatically dismissed if you have no new arrests. Available for many first offenses at New York County Supreme Court (60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007). ACD records can be sealed. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Can I get my criminal record sealed in New York County (Manhattan), New York?
NY offers conditional sealing under CPL § 160.59 for qualifying convictions (up to 2) after 10 years. ACD results in automatic sealing. Marijuana offenses have expanded eligibility. Cases in New York County (Manhattan) sealed through the court. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in New York County (Manhattan), New York?
Class A misdemeanor in New York County (Manhattan): up to 1 year jail. Class B: up to 3 months. Violations: up to 15 days. Cases heard at New York County Supreme Court (60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007). NY’s 2020 bail reform means most misdemeanor defendants are released without bail. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
How does a New York lawyer defend against fraud charges?
Defense strategies for fraud in New York may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under New York Penal Law (PEN) to build the strongest possible defense.
How does a New York lawyer defend against credit card fraud charges?
Defense strategies for credit card fraud in New York may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under New York Penal Law (PEN) to build the strongest possible defense.
How does a New York lawyer defend against conspiracy to commit fraud charges?
Defense strategies for conspiracy to commit fraud in New York may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under New York Penal Law (PEN) to build the strongest possible defense.
Learn more about our services: Petit Larceny Lawyer Bronx (hub page). Explore related pages: Petit Larceny Lawyer Nassau County, Petit Larceny Lawyer Westchester County, Business Lawyer New York County, and Consumer Rights Lawyer New York.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was updated to reflect current New York fraud laws and firm case results.