Statute of Limitations for Forgery Ends with Full Dismissal

The complainant, the landlord of the building where the client operated a gym, alleged that the client:

• Entered into a transfer-of-operations agreement without financial capacity
• Intended from the beginning to avoid paying obligations
• Forged a contract and used it to obtain business revenue

This resulted in accusations of:

• Fraud
• Forgery
• Criminal possession of a forged instrument

Under New York law:

• Forgery requires proof that a document was falsely made, altered, or completed with intent to defraud.
• Fraud requires proof of intentional misrepresentation that results in financial gain.

The attorney explained how both the elements of the crime and the Statute Of Limitations For Forgery must be satisfied mere accusations are insufficient.

Objective evidence showed the client consistently:

• Paid overdue taxes and interest obligations
• Covered utilities and operational expenses
• Paid portions of the security deposit and other business fees

These financial actions demonstrated:

• Ability to operate the business
• Intent to fulfill obligations
• Absence of any fraudulent scheme

Thus, the claim that the client never intended to perform the contract was unsupported.

The attorney noted that:

• The client lawfully modified corporate registration documents
• He made substantial business-related payments
• No forensic or signature evidence supported allegations of forgery
•  

Without proof of falsified signatures, altered contracts, or fabricated agreements, the complainant failed to satisfy the statutory requirements under NY Penal Law §§170.10–170.25 or the standards connected to the Statute Of Limitations For Forgery.

The attorney collected:

• Bank statements
• Loan-payment histories
• Proof of consistent operational expenses
• Digital communications demonstrating ongoing negotiations

These documents collectively disproved the claim that the client created or used forged instruments.

In New York, intent to defraud is a required element for both forgery and fraud.

Here:

• The client’s financial conduct showed lawful intent
• No document showed signs of alteration
• The complainant provided no corroborating evidence

As a result, prosecutors could not meet their burden of proof.

Forgery and fraud claims can jeopardize:

• Reputation
• Business operations
• Financial security

Early legal intervention helps ensure:

• Proper examination of document authenticity
• Rebuttal of claims regarding fraudulent intent
• Preservation of critical financial records
• Prevention of escalation into formal felony charges

A proactive defense often determines whether a case ends in dismissal or evolves into a damaging prosecution.

If you are under investigation for forgery, fraud, or use of a forged instrument, attorneys experienced in the Statute Of Limitations For Forgery can provide immediate and strategic guidance.

SJKP offers:

• Comprehensive document review
• Financial-evidence evaluation
• Aggressive rebuttal planning
• Protection throughout all investigative stages

For confidential support, contact SJKP to schedule a consultation.