Fraud Attorney in Rochester

Fraud Charges Can Change Your Future—Don't Face Them Alone

Fraud allegations in New York can lead to felony charges, possible jail or prison, heavy restitution, and a record that follows you for life. If you are accused of fraud in or around Rochester, you are likely worried about your freedom, your job, and your reputation.

I understand how disruptive this situation feels. Many of the people who come to see me have never been in a courtroom before. They are scared about what prosecutors already know, unsure what they should say, and worried that a single mistake could make everything worse.

I am a criminal defense lawyer with 25 years of experience and a background as a former Monroe County prosecutor. I focus my practice on criminal defense, and I handle fraud and other serious charges in Rochester and the surrounding courts. 

If you would like to talk through your situation and your options, you can contact me online or call (585) 928-4193 for a confidential consultation.

Understanding Fraud Laws in New York

Fraud is not a single crime under the New York Penal Law; rather, it is a broad category encompassing various statutes designed to punish deceptive practices. In my years of practice, I have seen that the state often pursues these charges under Article 190 (Other Frauds) and Article 175 (Offenses Involving False Written Statements). 

It is critical to distinguish between a simple misdemeanor and a high-level felony, as the difference often hinges on the monetary value involved or the number of alleged victims.

Common charges I defend in Rochester include:

• Scheme to Defraud (Penal Law § 190.60 & 190.65): This is often the "umbrella" charge used when the state alleges a systematic, ongoing course of conduct intended to defraud ten or more people or to obtain property through false pretenses.
• Falsifying Business Records (Penal Law § 175.05 & 175.10): Frequently added to other fraud charges, this applies if you are accused of making false entries in a company's records with the intent to defraud or conceal another crime.
• Offering a False Instrument for Filing (Penal Law § 175.35): A common charge in cases involving government benefits or professional licensing, occurring when someone submits a written instrument to a public office knowing it contains false information.
• Identity Theft and Forgery: These involve the unauthorized use of another person’s personal information or the alteration of written instruments like checks or contracts.

As a Rochester fraud lawyer, I emphasize to my clients that New York law allows prosecutors to "aggregate" or add up multiple small transactions to reach the threshold for a more serious felony charge. Understanding these nuances is the first step in building a defense that can withstand the scrutiny of a grand jury.

Why My Fraud Defense Is Different

In fraud and other financial cases, prosecutors often rely on paper trails, digital records, and long timelines. My years inside the District Attorney’s Office taught me how those files are put together, which details matter most to the state, and where important weaknesses often appear. I now use that knowledge to anticipate the state’s tactics and to look for problems in the way evidence was gathered or interpreted.

Over the course of my career, I have tried nine murder cases and many other serious felonies. Those experiences prepared me to manage high stakes, complex evidence, and hard cross examinations. I also build defenses around constitutional precision. Many of my past case dismissals have come from challenging illegal stops, searches, and arrests.

People who hire me often tell me that other lawyers did not want to take their case or seemed quick to give up. I am willing to take on difficult or high-risk matters and see them through. I stay personally involved from the first meeting until the case is resolved. I will be honest with you about strengths and weaknesses, and I will not inflate expectations.

Cost is another important concern. I offer free initial consultations so you can talk with me before deciding how to proceed. I keep my fees fair and predictable, and I use payment plans when appropriate so that legal costs are clear from the start. During our first meeting, we will discuss what your defense is likely to require and what that means financially, so there are no surprises later.